JOINT CIRCULAR No. 2130/TT-LB On Utilizing Empty Public Transport Buses to Carry Passengers

TO THE MINISTRIES

JOINT

TRANSPORTATION - INTERNAL AFFAIRS

JOINT CIRCULAR NO. 2130/TT-LB OF JULY 25, 1983 ON UTILIZING EMPTY MOTOR VEHICLES FOR PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION

In order to utilize the capacity of motor vehicles to increase passenger transportation capabilities, meet part of the people's travel needs, and avoid wastage for the State, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Internal Affairs issue this circular to guide the use of empty vehicles for combined passenger transport and the collection of fares from public motor vehicle transport forces as follows.

I. PRINCIPLES AND CONDITIONS FOR COMBINED PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY GUARANTEES

1. On routes where there is no cargo for two-way transportation, public motor vehicle transport companies under the Motor Vehicle Transport Department (Ministry of Transportation) and local transportation departments are permitted to utilize their empty vehicle runs for combined passenger transport and fare collection provided that absolute safety is ensured during transportation.

2. Vehicles and drivers assigned to combined passenger transport must be carefully selected and must have a combined passenger transport permit issued by the provincial, municipal, or central special zone police authority.

The combined passenger transport permit must be affixed on the right side of the front windshield for easy inspection.

3. Drivers of cargo transport vehicles performing combined passenger transport duties must hold at least Class II driver’s licenses appropriate to the type of vehicle they operate, possess high levels of responsibility and revolutionary morality, and strictly comply with traffic regulations.

4. Vehicles must meet the following conditions:

- Complete and effective safety equipment;

- A sealed and clean floor;

- Stable and secure side walls;

- Safe door and side wall locks;

- A rain and sun cover, steps for boarding and disembarking, and seats for passengers;

- Seats must be securely fastened along both sides of the vehicle and not exceed 40 cm in height from the floor. The side walls must be at least 35 cm higher than the seat surface (seats can be lowered and pressed against the side walls when transporting cargo). Each passenger seat must ensure a minimum width of 40 cm.

5. Empty cargo transport vehicles permitted to combine passenger transport must ensure:

- Not exceeding the number of passengers specified in the permit;

- Not allowing passengers to stand on the steps or sit on the side walls.

In the driver's cabin (cabin), no more than two passengers may be carried, prioritizing elderly individuals, passengers with children, and wounded or disabled veterans.

- Luggage placed on the vehicle must be neatly arranged, securely fastened, and not interfere with passengers. Luggage should not be tied around the exterior of the vehicle. - Refusal to carry luggage or goods emitting foul odors, explosives, flammable materials, toxic substances, or prohibited items.

II. TYPES OF VEHICLES NOT PERMITTED FOR COMBINED PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION

The following types of motor vehicles, even if running empty one way, are not allowed to combine passenger transport (including in the driver's cabin):

1. Vehicles with automatic cargo unloading platforms (benme) without side walls.

2. Cargo transport vehicles and tractors towing semi-trailers, including those on the vehicle and trailer.

3. Vehicles carrying soil, sand, coal, lime, and other foul-smelling or toxic goods that have not been thoroughly cleaned.

4. Special purpose vehicles such as cranes, concrete mixers, construction vehicles, fully enclosed trucks, etc.

III. TICKET SALES - FARES

1. Public motor vehicle transport enterprises permitted to combine passenger transport with empty vehicles must contact the nearest bus station or terminal to request ticket sales for passenger transport.

2. Bus stations or terminals, when processing driver requests for combined passenger transport ticket sales, must certify on the "ticket accounting form." If drivers sell additional tickets en route, the date must be recorded on the ticket accounting form for easy monitoring and management.

Passenger fares for combined transport using cargo transport vehicles when running empty shall be calculated at 80% of the current bus fare plus passenger insurance fees (as per Decision No. 283-CT dated October 27, 1982, of the Council of Ministers' Chairman and Circular No. 150-TT/VT dated November 18, 1982, of the Ministry of Transportation regarding passenger fares).

3. Each passenger may carry 10 kilograms of luggage free of charge. Excess luggage must be paid for at 100% of the current bus luggage fare. However, drivers may only accept luggage if there is sufficient space and not more than 50 kilograms per person.

4. Passenger fare exemptions do not apply to cargo transport vehicles combining passenger transport when running empty.

5. Companies and enterprises with vehicles combining passenger transport may print and issue tickets according to a unified model guided by the Motor Vehicle Transport Department (Ministry of Transportation) while also implementing strict ticket management plans akin to financial management and accounting procedures for motor vehicle tickets currently in place.

6. Revenue from fares and related expenses for organizing combined passenger transport must be accounted for separately.

Expenses include:

a) Ticket agency fees, dockage fees (if applicable), and bonuses for drivers and others involved in gathering passengers, amounting to approximately 40% of revenue, which must be promptly paid to drivers after each completed trip.

b) Expenses for printing tickets, documents, and maintenance of facilities serving passengers, etc.

c) Deduct a certain percentage to reduce the cost of cargo transportation due to combined passenger transport (approximately 15%).

IV. IMPLEMENTATION

After deducting the aforementioned expenses from the total revenue from combined transportation fares, the remaining amount will be included in the transportation revenue of the company or enterprise.

To effectively implement this circular, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Internal Affairs require:

- The Departments of Transport and Public Security of the provinces, cities, and centrally governed municipalities shall have the duty to regularly monitor, inspect, promptly correct any deficiencies in the implementation of this Circular, and strictly deal with cases of intentional violations.

The Road Transport Administration and the Highway Traffic Police Department shall be responsible for closely coordinating to guide and direct the implementation of this Circular.

This Circular shall take effect from the date of signature.