Circular No. 36/2024/TT-BGTVT stipulates the organization and management of road passenger and cargo transport activities and the operation of bus stations, parking lots, rest stops, and roadside stops; it also specifies the procedures for putting bus stations and rest stops into operation.

CIRCULAR

Regulations on the organization and management of road passenger and cargo transportation activities using motor vehicles and the activities of bus stations, parking lots, rest stops, and vehicle stops; procedures for putting bus stations and rest stops into operation.
Based on the Road Law dated June 27, 2024;
Based on the Law on Traffic Order and Safety on Roads dated June 27, 2024;

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The Minister of Transport hereby issues this Circular regulating the organization and management of road passenger and cargo transportation activities using motor vehicles and the activities of bus stations, parking lots, rest stops, and vehicle stops; procedures for putting bus stations and rest stops into operation.

This Circular regulates the organization and management of road passenger and cargo transportation activities using motor vehicles and the activities of bus stations, parking lots, rest stops, and vehicle stops; procedures for putting bus stations and rest stops into operation.

Pursuant to the Law on Legislative Regulatory Documents dated June 22, 2015; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Legislative Regulatory Documents dated June 18, 2020;

BASED ON THE DECREE NO. 56/2022/ND-CP dated August 24, 2022 of THE GOVERNMENT stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT;

Pursuant to Decree No. 65/2016/ND-CP dated 01 July 2016 of the Government stipulating business conditions for automobile driving training services and driving examination services; Decree No. 138/2018/ND-CP dated 08 October 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 65/2016/ND-CP dated 01 July 2016 of the Government stipulating business conditions for automobile driving training services and driving examination services; Decree No. 70/2022/ND-CP dated 27 September 2022 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decrees relating to business activities in the road sector;

This Circular applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals related to road passenger and cargo transportation activities using motor vehicles, bus stations, parking lots, rest stops, and vehicle stops.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

1. Passenger pick-up and drop-off points (including bus stop points) are locations on roads designated for motor vehicles operating on fixed routes where buses stop for passengers to board and disembark during their journey.

Article 2. Applicability

2. Assigning driving tasks through transportation connection support software involves organizations or individuals using transportation connection support software to transmit transportation requests to drivers who will perform the transportation tasks.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

3. Determining the fare for transportation services involves transportation business units setting fares to inform customers or directly negotiating with customers to agree on the fare before transportation is carried out.

2. Assigning tasks to drivers to operate vehicles for transportation through software connecting car transport services is the act of organizations or individuals using transport connection software to transfer information about transport requests to the drivers operating the vehicles to perform the transport tasks.

3. Determining the freight rate for transport is the act of transport business units setting the freight rate to provide information to customers or directly negotiating with customers to agree on the price before performing the transport service.

Chapter II

ROAD PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS USING MOTOR VEHICLES

Section 1

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Article 4. Regulations for passenger transportation business units

1. Adhering to and maintaining the conditions for conducting passenger transportation business operations in accordance with regulations throughout the business process.

2. Managing and utilizing motor vehicles for passenger transportation business

a) Developing and implementing plans for technical maintenance and repairs of vehicles to ensure that all vehicles undergo maintenance and repair in compliance with regulations on technical maintenance and repair of motor vehicles;

b) Establishing and updating complete vehicle history records and operational histories into Vehicle History Files with minimum information as prescribed in Appendix I attached to this Circular.

3. Managing passenger transportation business drivers

a) Establishing and updating complete driver employment history records and operational histories into Driver Employment History Files with minimum information as prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular;

b) Ensuring that drivers comply with regulations on driving hours as stipulated in Article 64 of the Law on Traffic Order and Safety on Roads.

4. Directly managing the operation of the unit's vehicles and drivers to carry out passenger transportation according to one of the following methods:

a) Through transportation connection support software;

b) Through transportation orders;

c) Through transportation contracts.

5. Determining the fare for transportation services for the unit's transportation business activities.

6. Establishing and applying service quality standards Fixed route passenger transportation businesses, public passenger transportation by bus, and passenger transportation by taxi must establish and publish transportation service quality standards.

7. Storing relevant files and documents during the management and operation of transportation activities of the unit to serve inspection and audit work on transportation activities and financial accounting in transportation operations.

8. Organizing training in transportation operations for passenger transportation drivers or onboard staff (if any) in accordance with regulations.

Section 2

FIXED ROUTE PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS USING MOTOR VEHICLES

Article 5. Criteria for establishing routes

1. There must be a system of roads that have been announced for exploitation throughout the entire route.

2. There must be departure bus stations and arrival bus stations that have been announced by competent authorities for exploitation.

3. There must be a route code for fixed passenger transport services.

a) For inter-provincial fixed passenger transport routes, the route code is determined by the province or city codes of the departure and arrival points; the bus station codes at the departure and arrival points. The route code is arranged in the following order: the province or city with the smaller code comes before the province or city with the larger code; the bus station of the province or city with the smaller code comes before the bus station of the province or city with the larger code;

b) For intra-provincial fixed passenger transport routes, the route code is determined by the province or city code; the bus station codes at the departure and arrival points. The route code is arranged in the following order: the province or city code; the bus station with the smaller code; the bus station with the larger code. In cases where the route has multiple different itineraries, additional characters from the Vietnamese alphabet are added to the end of the number sequence.

4. There must be intervals between trips and total traffic volume of the route.

a) The interval time between trips at bus stations must be determined based on the unified agreement of two Departments of Transport. The Department of Transport where the transport business unit registers for exploitation takes opinions to unify with the Department of Transport at the other end of the route;

b) The total traffic volume of the fixed route must be determined by the total number of trips per month; for routes with multiple itineraries, the traffic volume for each itinerary must be determined.

Article 6. Organization, management, and criteria for passenger pick-up and drop-off points on fixed routes

1. Criteria for passenger pick-up and drop-off points

a) Passenger pick-up and drop-off points can only be arranged at locations ensuring traffic safety and convenience for passengers getting on and off the vehicle;

b) Direction signs for passenger pick-up and drop-off points for fixed routes shall comply with the national technical standards for road signage;

c) The minimum distance between two adjacent passenger pick-up and drop-off points or between a passenger pick-up and drop-off point and a rest stop or terminal at both ends of the route shall be determined by the Department of Transport based on actual conditions and local traffic organization.

2. Organization and management of passenger pick-up and drop-off activities

a) Passenger pick-up and drop-off points serve only fixed-route passenger transport buses and bus stops for boarding and alighting; they cannot be used for other activities;

b) At passenger pick-up and drop-off points, each fixed-route passenger transport bus is allowed to stop for a maximum of three minutes;

c) The Department of Transport collaborates with local authorities where there are passenger pick-up and drop-off points to organize and manage, ensuring traffic safety, public security, and environmental sanitation in the area around the passenger pick-up and drop-off points within their jurisdiction;

d) The Department of Transport shall notify in writing about the commencement or cessation of operation of passenger pick-up and drop-off points on fixed routes and buses to transport businesses operating on those routes, while simultaneously posting this information on the Department's website.

Article 7. Publicizing Information

1. Publicize on the Department of Transport’s electronic information portal the following information: list of fixed routes in the locality that have been announced; list of currently operational routes; maximum number of trips permitted to operate on each route during a given period and the number of trips registered for operation; list of transport units currently operating on the route; schedule chart for each route; hotline phone number of the Department of Transport.

2. Publicize at bus terminals the following information: list of routes, departure schedules of currently operational trips at the terminal; list of transport units operating on each route; hotline phone number of the transport business unit and the local Department of Transport.

3. Publicize at ticket counters the following information: name of the transport business unit, route name, fare (tariff) declared according to the model prescribed in Appendix III issued together with this Circular, departure schedule of each trip, passenger services along the journey, free baggage allowance.

4. Publicize on vehicles

a) Post at the top of the front windshield: name of the departure bus station, name of the arrival bus station; minimum character height of six centimeters;

b) Post on the exterior sides of the vehicle body or doors: name and phone number of the transport business unit with a minimum size of twenty centimeters in length and twenty centimeters in width; fare (tariff) declared according to the model prescribed in Appendix III issued together with this Circular;

c) Post inside the vehicle: registration plate number (inspection plate), fare (tariff) declared according to the model prescribed in Appendix III issued together with this Circular, route schedule, passenger services along the journey, free baggage allowance, hotline phone number of the transport business unit and the Department of Transport issuing the emblem.

5. Responsibility for publicizing and providing publicized information

a) The Department of Transport shall implement publicizing as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Bus terminals shall implement publicizing at the terminal and at the ticket counter for routes entrusted to sell tickets by the terminal as stipulated in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article;

c) Transport business units shall implement publicizing on vehicles and at ticket counters operated by the unit itself as stipulated in Clauses 3 and 4 of this Article; provide related terminals with information for them to comply with the provisions of point b of this clause.

Article 8. Provisions for passenger-carrying buses operating on fixed routes

1. Adhere to and maintain business conditions for passenger-carrying buses operating on fixed routes during the operation of passenger transport services on fixed routes.

2. Display information as prescribed in Clause 4, Article 7 of this Circular.

3. The number, quality, and arrangement of seats and berths in the bus must comply with the design of the vehicle; seat numbers must be sequentially numbered from left to right along each row and from front to back of the vehicle.

4. Emergency equipment must be installed on the bus; ensure fire safety conditions for motorized traffic vehicles according to Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP dated November 24, 2020 of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Fire Prevention and Combating and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Fire Prevention and Combating (amended and supplemented by Decree No. 50/2024/NĐ-CP dated May 10, 2024 of the Government).

5. Behind the passenger seats or beside the berths, there must be a board providing traffic safety and emergency evacuation instructions, including: instructions on wearing seat belts (if available); instructions on arranging luggage; a no-smoking sign on the vehicle; instructions on using the vehicle's electrical system (if available); instructions on using fire extinguishers, emergency hammers, and evacuation routes in case of emergencies.

6. At any given time, each registered bus may operate a maximum of two different fixed-route passenger transport lines, with these two lines possibly originating or terminating at four different bus stations or three different bus stations (in the case of connecting lines), and being issued one emblem (the emblem will indicate the names of the two lines). In cases where two consecutive trips on the same line are operated by the same entity, if the subsequent trip has sold out all tickets, it is permitted to depart at the same time as the previous trip.

Article 9. Provisions for the use of shuttle buses

1. Adhere to and maintain conditions for passenger-carrying buses used for shuttle transportation during the operation of shuttle transportation services.

2. Display on both sides of the body or doors of the bus: the name and telephone number of the transportation business unit. Minimum size: length of 20 cm, width of 20 cm.

Article 10. Provisions for route management

1. The Department of Transport implements route management within the province as prescribed; for inter-provincial routes, the Department of Transport issuing the emblem takes the lead and coordinates with the Department of Transport at the other end of the route to implement route management and coordinate with the Department of Transport where issues related to route management arise to address them.

2. The Department of Transport uses the software for managing automobile transportation business activities provided by the Ministry of Transport to: establish, adjust, and supplement fixed-route passenger transport lines within the province; coordinate with the Department of Transport at the other end of the route to establish, adjust, and supplement inter-provincial fixed-route passenger transport lines; report to the Vietnam Highway Corporation for annual compilation and publication. Annually, before April 30, the Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally-administered cities publish the list of fixed-route passenger transport line networks within their respective provinces; the Vietnam Highway Corporation publishes the list of inter-provincial fixed-route passenger transport line networks.

3. The local Department of Transport (for intra-provincial routes) and the Departments of Transport at both ends of the route (for inter-provincial routes) must agree and publicly announce on their websites detailed information about each route, including: departure bus station, arrival bus station, itinerary; total number of trips and departure times for each trip already operated by participating entities and agreed minimum intervals between consecutive trips; capacity of bus stations at both ends of the route.

4. In cases of dangerous epidemics, natural disasters, typhoons, or floods affecting the operation of fixed routes, the Departments of Transport at both ends of the route must temporarily adjust the actual number of trips or suspend operations based on proposals from transportation business units or decisions by competent authorities; report the results of such adjustments to the Vietnam Highway Corporation.

Article 11. Supplementing and Replacing Vehicles Operating on Routes

1. Supplementing and Replacing Vehicles Operating on Routes Business entities engaged in transportation may replace vehicles currently operating on routes or supplement vehicles if such supplementation does not increase the number of trips. Any vehicle supplemented or replaced must be issued with a "FIXED ROUTE VEHICLE" emblem indicating the route name and must meet the requirements for types of vehicles registered to operate on the route.

2. Emergency Replacement of Vehicles

a) Business entities engaged in transportation may use any of their vehicles that have been issued with a "FIXED ROUTE VEHICLE" emblem to replace a vehicle when it encounters technical issues, traffic accidents, or other force majeure reasons while operating on the route. In cases where the entity cannot arrange a replacement vehicle, the Department of Transport shall decide to mobilize vehicles from other entities operating on the route to make the replacement;

b) Emergency replacement vehicles must have a transport order issued by the business entity engaged in transportation according to the model specified in Appendix IV attached to this Circular.

Article 12. Regulations on Strengthening Vehicles to Discharge Passengers

1. Adhering to and maintaining regulations governing the strengthening of vehicles to discharge passengers on fixed routes during the operation of passenger transportation along fixed routes.

2. Vehicles operating on fixed routes, contractual passenger transport vehicles, and buses can be used to strengthen passenger discharge during holidays, Tet festivals, and national high school exams, university entrance exams, and college entrance exams.

3. The Department of Transport shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to develop plans for strengthening vehicles to discharge passengers (including lists of vehicles and drivers to be mobilized) and organize implementation. The issuance time of the plan for strengthening passenger discharge must ensure at least seven days before holidays, Tet festivals, and university and college entrance exam periods.

4. Business entities engaged in transportation operating fixed routes shall base their needs for travel, coordinate with bus stations to develop plans for strengthening vehicles on their routes during weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) with sudden increases in passenger volume (including the total number of additional trips and the implementation date). These plans for strengthening vehicles on weekend routes shall be reported to the Department of Transport at both ends of the route by January 15 each year for implementation.

5. During the period when additional vehicles are arranged, the Department of Transport at the starting end of the route shall take the lead and coordinate with the Department of Transport at the opposite end, related bus stations, and business entities engaged in transportation with additional vehicles to monitor and manage the activities of vehicles and drivers according to regulations governing passenger transportation along fixed routes.

6. When strengthening vehicles, the bus station at the starting end (outbound trip) shall record the running time and confirm on the transport order, and notify the bus station at the opposite end about the additional outbound trip. The bus station at the opposite end shall record the time and confirm the inbound trip on the transport order; in cases where the business entity engaged in transportation requests not to implement the inbound trip, the bus station shall only confirm the arrival of the vehicle at the station on the transport order.

Article 13. Provisions on Transport Orders

1. The transport order shall be issued in paper form or electronically by the transportation business unit according to the model prescribed in Appendix IV attached to this Circular. When carrying out the trip, the driver shall carry the paper transport order or have access to the content of the electronic transport order; present the paper transport order or the electronic version when requested by competent authorities.

2. The transportation business unit shall be responsible for managing, issuing, and checking the use of transport orders.

3. The bus station shall be responsible for updating information about transport orders that have been stamped with confirmation into the station management software.

Article 14. Rights and Responsibilities of Transportation Business Units Operating Fixed Route Passenger Transport Services

1. Implement measures to organize and properly execute the registered route exploitation plan for passenger transport services using motor vehicles.

2. Comply with the provisions of Articles 4 and 5 of this Circular.

3. Monitor and manage the use of vehicle identification plates and transport orders by the unit; record information on transport orders and issue them to drivers in accordance with regulations governing fixed route passenger transport services.

4. Shall be responsible for refunding at least 90% of the ticket price to passengers who have purchased tickets but refuse the trip at least two hours before departure for fixed routes up to 300 kilometers in length, and at least four hours for fixed routes over 300 kilometers in length; refund at least 70% of the ticket price to passengers who have purchased tickets but refuse the trip at least one hour before departure for fixed routes up to 300 kilometers in length, and at least two hours for fixed routes over 300 kilometers in length.

5. When accepting consigned goods on fixed route motor vehicle services (the consignor does not travel on the vehicle), the transportation business unit must request the consignor to provide complete and accurate information about the goods and the name, address, national identity card number/citizen identification card number, and contact phone number of both the consignor and the consignee; shall not accept prohibited goods, flammable and explosive items, live animals, fresh food products that do not comply with food safety regulations, epidemic prevention, disease control, and environmental sanitation requirements. Compensation for damaged, lost, or short consigned goods shall be carried out according to the transportation contract or the agreement between the transportation business unit and the consignor.

6. Establish internal regulations regarding uniforms and name tags for drivers and service staff on board (if any), and driver identification cards; name tags must include a photograph, clearly stating the full name and managing unit, and may be combined with driver identification cards.

7. May use electronic devices to post information as prescribed in Clauses 2, 3, and 4 of Article 7 of this Circular.

8. The transportation business unit shall not use vehicles with "TRANSFER VEHICLE" identification plates for commercial transportation activities.

9. Fulfill other responsibilities as stipulated in the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety; comply with and maintain the conditions for operating fixed route passenger transport services during the operation of such services.

Article 15. Rights and responsibilities of drivers and service staff on fixed-route vehicles

1. Wear name badges and uniforms according to the models prescribed by the transport business unit; carry the transportation order for the operating vehicle.

2. Comply with the transportation orders issued by the transport business unit; ensure security and order on the vehicle; pick up and drop off passengers at departure and arrival bus stations, designated stops, and follow the prescribed route.

3. Shall not exceed the permitted number of passengers or the total weight limit specified in the Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection and Environmental Protection Certificate; luggage and consigned goods must be evenly distributed in the cargo compartment to prevent movement during transportation; shall not transport prohibited items, flammable or explosive materials, live animals, fresh food without complying with food safety regulations, epidemic prevention measures, environmental sanitation requirements, and dangerous goods on passenger vehicles. When receiving consigned goods from passengers who do not travel on the vehicle, the driver must request the sender to provide complete and accurate information about the goods and the names, addresses, identification card numbers/citizen identity card numbers, and contact phone numbers of both the sender and the recipient.

4. Ensure that all passengers have valid tickets; guide and arrange seating according to the ticket, inform passengers of relevant rules, assist passengers; allocate priority seats for persons with disabilities, elderly people, pregnant women, and children; maintain a courteous and civilized attitude in serving passengers.

5. Require the bus station to confirm the information stipulated in the transportation order before the vehicle departs from the station and upon its return.

6. Maintain cleanliness of the vehicle.

7. Arrive at the bus station at least ten minutes before the scheduled departure time to perform related tasks according to traffic safety procedures.

8. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety; comply with and maintain conditions for drivers and service staff on fixed-route vehicles during the operation of passenger transport services.

Article 16. Rights and responsibilities of passengers traveling on vehicles

1. Request the transport business unit to provide services according to the published and posted quality standards.

2. Request service staff to issue the correct type of ticket after payment; keep the ticket throughout the journey and present it when inspected by authorized personnel.

3. Refund the ticket price as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 14 of this Circular.

4. Lodge complaints, make suggestions, report violations of transport management regulations by the transport business unit, drivers, and service staff, and demand compensation for damages (if any).

5. Adhere to regulations to ensure safety and order on the vehicle; board and disembark at bus stations or designated stops as required.

6. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety.

Section 3

PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION BY PUBLIC BUSES

Article 17. Provisions for buses

1. Compliance with and maintenance of business conditions for buses during the operation of public passenger transport services by bus.

2. On the vehicle, emergency escape equipment must be installed; fire prevention and firefighting safety conditions shall be implemented in accordance with Clause 4, Article 8 of this Circular.

3. Display of information

a) Display on the exterior of the vehicle: Above the front and rear windows, the route number or route code, starting point, and endpoint of the route; minimum character height of 06 cm; On both sides of the vehicle: the route number or route code, telephone number of the transport service provider with a minimum size: length of 20 cm, width of 20 cm; fare (tariff) declared according to the form prescribed in Appendix III attached to this Circular;

b) Display inside the vehicle: vehicle registration number (inspection plate), route number or route code; diagram showing the starting point, endpoint, and intermediate stops along the route; fare (tariff) declared according to the form prescribed in Appendix III attached to this Circular; hotlines of the transport service provider and the local Department of Transport; responsibilities of the driver, crew members, and passengers;

c) Inside the vehicle, there must be a traffic safety and emergency evacuation guide board placed at positions easily visible to passengers, including: instructions on fastening seat belts (if available); instructions on arranging luggage; no smoking signs; instructions on using the vehicle's electrical system (if available); instructions on using fire extinguishers, emergency hammers, and evacuation routes in case of incidents.

Article 18. Starting points, endpoints, stops, and bus shelters, dispatch orders

1. Starting points and endpoints of bus routes

a) Must have sufficient area for buses to turn around safely and park in compliance with traffic organization plans;

b) Must have a signboard displaying the following information: route name; route number; itinerary; frequency of operation; daily operating hours of the route; telephone number of the route management authority and the transport service provider participating in the route exploitation; responsibilities of passengers, drivers, and crew members (if any);

c) Must have a waiting shelter for passengers.

2. Bus stops

a) The area where buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers must be marked with signs and painted lines; the sign must display the route number or route code, route name (starting point - endpoint), and a simplified route itinerary behind the sign;

b) Bus stop signs must comply with national technical standards for road signage.

3. At bus stations, railway stations, airports, ports, inland waterway terminals, and seaports, bus stops must be arranged to connect with other modes of transport.

4. Bus shelters

a) The Department of Transport shall announce the model of bus shelters applicable within their jurisdiction;

b) At bus shelters, the following information must be displayed: route number, route name, itinerary, frequency of operation, daily operating hours of the route, hotlines of the transport service provider and the local Department of Transport, maps or diagrams of the route network.

5. Starting points, endpoints, stops, and bus shelters must be constructed to facilitate access and use by persons with disabilities.

6. Dispatch orders

a) Dispatch orders may be issued in paper or electronic form by the transport service provider according to the form prescribed in Appendix IV attached to this Circular. When executing a trip, the driver must carry the paper dispatch order or have access to the content of the electronic dispatch order; present the paper or electronic dispatch order when requested by enforcement authorities.

b) The transport service provider is responsible for managing, issuing, and checking the use of dispatch orders.

Article 19. Announcing the Opening of Bus Public Passenger Transport Routes

1. The Department of Transportation shall announce the opening of bus public passenger transport routes at the local level according to the network route list approved by the People's Committee of the province.

2. Contents of announcing the opening of bus routes

a) Business unit operating the route;

b) Route number or route code; distance; itinerary (starting point, end point, stop points);

c) Schedule, operating time of the route;

d) Brand, capacity, distinctive color of vehicles operating on the route;

đ) Fare.

3. The Department of Transportation must publish on its electronic information website the contents specified in Clause 2 of this Article at least 15 days before implementing passenger transportation activities on the bus route.

Article 20. Management of Public Passenger Transport by Bus

1. The Department of Transportation shall organize the implementation of bidding or ordering the operation of bus public passenger transport routes using local government budget funds in accordance with the laws on production and supply of public goods and services.

2. A business unit with a Business License for Passenger Transport by Road (bus type) may participate in bidding or be ordered to operate bus public passenger transport routes.

3. The Department of Transportation of the locality shall sign a route operation contract with the winning business unit or the one that has been ordered. The contract must clearly state the route operation plan including: route name, route number, vehicle brand, vehicle capacity, fare, schedule on the route, contract duration.

4. The Department of Transportation shall decide to adjust part or all of the schedule, route of buses within the province when there is a change in traffic organization leading to a need to change the route or in cases of natural disasters, typhoons, floods, or other force majeure situations, or upon the request of the business unit currently operating the route, in accordance with actual needs and conditions at each time point; the business unit shall adjust the route operation plan accordingly with the new adjusted schedule.

5. For bus routes passing through multiple provinces or cities, the adjustment of schedules, routes, cessation of operations, or closure of routes shall be carried out by the Department of Transportation where the business unit's main office or branch is located, after reaching a consensus with the Department of Transportation at the starting point of the opposite end of the route; notification shall be made to the Departments of Transportation along the route before implementation.

6. The decision to adjust the schedule shall be announced on mass media channels at least 10 days before the adjustment takes place.

Article 21. Provisions on Ceasing Operations on Routes, Closing Bus Routes; Supplementing and Replacing Buses Operating on Routes

1. Ceasing Operations on Routes, Closing Bus Routes

a) At least 30 days prior to ceasing operations, the business unit must send a written notice of ceasing operations on the route to the Department of Transportation that issued the Business License for Passenger Transport by Road (bus type).

In cases where ceasing operations leads to changes in the frequency of runs on the route or closure of the route, within 10 working days from receiving the business unit's notice, the Department of Transportation that issued the Business License for Passenger Transport by Road (or in coordination with the Department of Transportation at the opposite end of the inter-provincial route) shall announce the new frequency of runs or close the route based on the business unit's proposal;

b) The Department of Transportation is responsible for announcing on mass media channels at least 15 working days from receipt of the notice;

c) Within a maximum of 5 working days after ceasing operations, the business unit must return the route markers of the ceased vehicles to the Department of Transportation that issued them.

2. Supplementing and Replacing Buses

a) The business unit may replace buses currently operating on the route or supplement buses if the supplementation does not increase the number of trips. Supplemented or replaced buses must have the "BUS" marker and must meet the requirements for types of vehicles participating in route operations as stipulated in the signed contract;

b) The business unit may use any of its own vehicles already marked "BUS" to replace buses unexpectedly when those operating on the route encounter technical issues, traffic accidents, or other force majeure reasons.

Article 22. Powers and responsibilities of public passenger transport enterprises operating bus services

1. Organize and implement the vehicle operation schedule according to the exploitation plan signed in the contract.

2. Implement the provisions set out in Article 4 of this Circular.

3. Establish internal regulations regarding uniforms and name badges for drivers and on-board service staff, driver identification cards; name badges must include a photograph, clearly stating full name and managing unit, and may be combined with driver identification cards.

4. Be permitted to use electronic devices to display information as prescribed in Clauses 2, 3, and 4 of Article 7 of this Circular.

5. Fulfill other responsibilities as stipulated in the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety; comply with and maintain business conditions for public passenger transport enterprises operating bus services during their operation.

Article 23. Powers and responsibilities of bus drivers and on-board service staff

1. Wear name badges and uniforms as specified by the transport enterprise.

2. Adhere to the approved route and schedule.

3. Provide information about the route and stops when requested by passengers; guide and assist passengers (especially persons with disabilities, elderly people, pregnant women, and children) when boarding and alighting from the bus; maintain a courteous and civilized attitude towards passengers.

4. Maintain cleanliness of the vehicle.

5. Fulfill other responsibilities as stipulated in the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety; comply with and maintain business conditions for bus drivers and on-board service staff during their operation.

Article 24. Powers and responsibilities of bus passengers

1. Carry luggage weighing no more than 10 kg and dimensions not exceeding 30x40x60 cm. For passengers traveling on bus routes with either the starting point or endpoint within airport areas or inter-provincial bus routes, they may carry luggage weighing up to 20 kg and dimensions suitable for the design of the vehicle.

2. Observe rules while riding and follow instructions from the driver and on-board service staff.

3. Request on-board service staff to issue the correct ticket type after payment; keep the ticket throughout the journey and present it upon request for inspection by authorized personnel.

4. Lodge complaints, make suggestions, report violations of transport management regulations by the transport business unit, drivers, and service staff, and demand compensation for damages (if any).

5. Fulfill other responsibilities as stipulated in the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety.

Section 4

PASSENGER TRANSPORT BY TAXI

Article 25. Provisions for taxis

1. Comply with and maintain business conditions for taxis during the operation of passenger transport by taxi.

2. Display the following information:

a) On both sides of the car doors: the name, telephone number, and emblem (logo) of the transport enterprise, with a minimum size of 20 cm in length and 20 cm in width; the fare tariff chart registered according to the model prescribed in Appendix III issued together with this Circular;

b) Inside the car: the fare tariff chart based on kilometers (km), fare tariff for waiting time at the passenger's request, and other charges (if any) that the passenger must pay; the fare tariff chart registered according to the model prescribed in Appendix III issued together with this Circular;

c) In cases where taxis use software to calculate fares, the fare tariff chart registered according to the model prescribed in Appendix III issued together with this Circular must be displayed on the interface for passengers.

3. Ensure fire safety conditions in accordance with Clause 4 of Article 8 of this Circular.

4. The vehicle must have a Passenger Safety and Evacuation Guide Board, including main contents such as instructions on wearing seat belts (if available); a no-smoking sign inside the vehicle; instructions on safely opening and closing the vehicle doors.

Article 26. Public Passenger Pickup and Drop-off Points, Taxi Parking Points

1. Public passenger pickup and drop-off points for taxis must ensure traffic safety and be marked with signs and road markings according to regulations on traffic organization.

2. Taxi parking points

a) Taxi parking points include two types: taxi parking points organized and managed by transportation business units; public taxi parking points organized and managed by local state management agencies;

b) Requirements for taxi parking points: ensuring order, safety, and not causing traffic congestion; meeting requirements for fire prevention and environmental sanitation.

Article 27. Rights and Responsibilities of Transportation Business Units Operating Passenger Transport Services Using Taxis

1. Implement the provisions set forth in Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Establish uniform dress code and name tag regulations for drivers, driver identification cards; name tags must contain photos, clearly stating full names and managing units, name tags may be combined with driver identification cards.

3. Be allowed to use electronic devices to post information as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 25 of this Circular.

4. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Law, the Law on Traffic Order and Safety; comply with and maintain business conditions for transportation business units operating passenger transport services using taxis during their operation.

Article 28. Rights and Responsibilities of Taxi Drivers

1. Wear name tags and uniforms in accordance with the regulations of the transportation business unit.

2. Collect fare from passengers at the end of the journey based on the meter reading or through the app notification or by agreement between the passenger and the transportation business unit.

3. Maintain cleanliness of the vehicle.

4. Provide route information when requested by passengers; guide and assist passengers (especially persons with disabilities, elderly people, pregnant women, and children) when boarding and disembarking.

5. Fulfill other responsibilities as stipulated in the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety.

Article 29. Rights and Responsibilities of Passengers Traveling by Taxi

1. Request the driver to provide information about the driving route.

2. Pay the fare according to the meter reading or through the app and receive an electronic invoice for the trip amounting to the payment made. In case the fare for the trip is agreed upon between the passenger and the transportation business unit, it shall be calculated based on the posted fee schedule on the taxi or through the passenger transport service by taxi business unit's app.

3. Adhere to regulations while traveling and follow the driver's guidance.

4. Have the right to lodge complaints, suggestions, and reports regarding violations of transportation management regulations by the transportation business unit or the driver and request compensation for damages (if any).

5. Fulfill other responsibilities as stipulated in the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety.

Section 5

PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BY CONTRACT USING MOTOR VEHICLES

Article 30. Regulations for Motor Vehicles Engaged in Contractual Passenger Transportation Services

1. Comply with and maintain business conditions for motor vehicles engaged in contractual passenger transportation services during their operation.

2. Post the following information: name and phone number of the transportation business unit.

a) Minimum size: length of 20 cm, width of 20 cm;

b) Posting location: front face of both sides of the vehicle body or both sides of the car doors.

3. The quantity, quality, and arrangement of seats in the vehicle must conform to the vehicle design.

4. Emergency equipment must be installed in the vehicle; fire prevention and firefighting safety conditions must be ensured in accordance with Clause 4, Article 8 of this Circular.

5. Behind the seat or beside the bed, there must be a Traffic Safety and Evacuation Guide Chart (in Vietnamese and English), including main contents such as: instructions on wearing seat belts (if applicable); instructions on arranging luggage; no smoking sign; instructions on using the vehicle's electrical system (if applicable); instructions on using fire extinguishers, escape hammers, and evacuation routes in case of emergencies.

Article 31. Rights and responsibilities of passenger transport businesses under contracts

1. Implement the provisions set forth in Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Must comply with and maintain business conditions for passenger transport businesses under contracts during their operation.

3. Establish internal regulations on uniforms and name badges for drivers and onboard service staff (if any), driver identification cards; name badges must include a photograph, full name, managing unit, and may be combined with driver identification cards.

4. Are permitted to use electronic devices to post information as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 30 of this Circular.

5. Fulfill other responsibilities as stipulated in the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety.

Article 32. Rights and responsibilities of drivers engaged in passenger transport businesses under contracts

1. Carry out passenger transportation strictly according to the route and schedule stipulated in the signed transport contract. Wear name badges and uniforms in accordance with the regulations of the transport business.

2. Must comply with and maintain business conditions for drivers engaged in passenger transport businesses under contracts during their operation.

3. Drivers operating vehicles using application software to facilitate transport connections must have access to an interface displaying the electronic transport contract and passenger list in the format prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Circular.

4. Maintain cleanliness of the vehicle.

5. Refuse transportation to passengers who engage in behavior that disrupts security, order, and safety on the vehicle; have the right to refuse transportation of prohibited goods, flammable or explosive items, or live animals.

6. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety.

Chapter III

ROAD FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION BY MOTOR VEHICLES

Article 33. Regulations on motor vehicles engaged in freight transport

1. Must comply with and maintain business conditions for motor vehicles engaged in freight transport during their operation.

2. Must post the information as prescribed in Appendix VI attached to this Circular.

3. Location for posting information

a) For trucks and tractor units: post on the outside of both sides of the driver's cabin door;

b) For trailers and semi-trailers with cargo boxes: post on the outside of both sides of the cargo box;

c) For trailers and semi-trailers without cargo boxes: post the information on a metal sign attached to the frame of the vehicle at a position easily visible beside or behind the vehicle or at the location designated for posting information on modular trailer and semi-trailer designs as specified by the manufacturer.

4. Freight transport vehicles must have cargo box dimensions consistent with the Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Inspection for Motor Vehicles.

5. Emergency equipment must be provided on the vehicle; fire prevention and firefighting safety conditions must be ensured in accordance with Clause 4, Article 8 of this Circular.

Article 34. Regulations on Transport Documents (Waybills)

1. Transport Documents (Waybills) issued by transport businesses must contain minimum information as prescribed.

2. Transport Documents (Waybills) must be stamped and issued to drivers by the transport business for carrying during the transportation of goods on the road; in cases where it is a household business, the owner of the household must sign and write their full name on the Transport Document (Waybill).

3. After loading the goods onto the vehicle and before commencing transportation, the consignor (or their authorized representative) or the representative of the entity or individual (if an individual) responsible for loading the goods onto the vehicle must sign to confirm compliance with the loading regulations on the Transport Document (Waybill).

Article 35. Powers and responsibilities of entities engaged in cargo transportation

1. Managing and using motor vehicles for cargo transportation

a) Developing and implementing plans for technical maintenance and repairs of vehicles to ensure that all vehicles undergo maintenance and repair in compliance with regulations on technical maintenance and repair of motor vehicles;

b) Establishing and updating complete vehicle history records and operational histories into Vehicle History Files with minimum information as prescribed in Appendix I attached to this Circular.

2. Directly controlling means of transport and drivers under their own management to carry out cargo transportation in one of the following forms:

a) Through application software supporting transportation connections;

b) Through transportation contracts;

c) Through Cargo Waybills (Transportation Certificates).

3. Determining freight rates for cargo transportation activities of the entity.

4. Being responsible for disseminating to drivers the compliance with legal regulations on the load capacity of vehicles circulating on roads; not organizing or requiring drivers to load and transport goods exceeding the permitted weight for traffic participation; bearing joint liability if vehicles under the entity's management change technical parameters contrary to regulations, or transport goods exceeding the permitted weight for traffic participation.

5. Managing drivers engaged in cargo transportation

a) Establishing and updating complete driver employment history records and operational histories into Driver Employment History Files with minimum information as prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular;

b) Ensuring that drivers comply with regulations on driving hours as stipulated in Article 64 of the Law on Traffic Order and Safety on Roads.

6. Fulfilling other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Law, the Law on Traffic Order and Safety; adhering to and maintaining business conditions for entities engaged in cargo transportation during their operation.

Article 36. Powers and responsibilities of drivers engaged in cargo transportation

1. When transporting goods, drivers must carry Cargo Waybills (Transportation Certificates) and driver and vehicle documents as required by law. Drivers operating vehicles using application software supporting transportation connections must have access devices displaying electronic transportation contracts and electronic Cargo Waybills (Transportation Certificates) during transportation.

2. Before carrying out transportation, drivers must request the person responsible for loading the goods onto the vehicle to sign and confirm the loading details on the Cargo Waybill (Transportation Certificate); refuse to transport if the loading does not comply with legal regulations on loading goods onto vehicles.

3. Fulfilling other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Law, the Law on Traffic Order and Safety; adhering to and maintaining business conditions for drivers during their operation of cargo transportation.

Chapter IV

PROVISIONS ON THE ACTIVITIES OF PASSENGER TERMINALS, PARKING AREAS, REST STOPS, AND STOPPING POINTS

Article 37. Provisions on the activities of passenger terminals

1. Responsibilities of entities providing passenger terminal services

a) Fully implementing legal regulations concerning passenger terminals in managing passenger transportation by bus;

b) Ensuring security, public order, fire prevention, explosion prevention, and environmental hygiene within passenger terminals; being legally responsible for all business activities within the scope of the passenger terminal;

c) Regularly maintaining, repairing, and supplementing equipment and infrastructure; disseminating and promoting laws, enhancing professional skills of employees to maintain and improve service quality at passenger terminals, strictly implementing state regulations on passenger terminals;

d) Signing contracts with transportation units as prescribed by law before organizing transportation business activities at passenger terminals;

đ) Displaying internal rules of passenger terminals and handling procedures according to signed contracts when violations occur;

e) Managing and applying information from passenger terminal management software.

Equipping passenger terminal management software and storing departure information of vehicles: vehicle information, driver information, route information, departure time, arrival time, number of passengers on board.

Information provided by passenger terminals is used in state management of transportation activities, management of transportation business units, and passenger terminals, and supplied to police and road traffic inspection agencies upon request.

Providing login credentials and passwords to access passenger terminal management software to specialized state management agencies upon request.

Systematically updating and storing information about vehicles and transportation business units operating at the terminal for a minimum of three years from the end of the work year.

Directly implementing provisions of point a, point c, and point d of this clause or authorizing service providers to implement through valid contracts.

g) Being subject to management, inspection, and supervision by competent state management agencies;

h) Submitting regular reports by December 15 each year and submitting ad hoc reports on the operation of passenger terminals as requested by the local Department of Transport;

i) Reporting to the local Department of Transport the regulations of the unit regarding lists, positions, and signatures of individuals assigned to inspect and confirm transportation orders;

k) Strictly complying with national technical standards for passenger terminals;

l) Fulfilling other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Law, the Law on Traffic Order and Safety;

m) Allowing vehicles to depart according to the timetable announced by the line management agency.

2. Responsibilities of transportation business units at passenger terminals

a) Signing and implementing contracts with passenger terminals;

b) Adhering to internal rules, regulations, and procedures for vehicle entry and exit at passenger terminals managed and operated by the terminal management unit.

3. Responsibilities of passengers at passenger terminals

a) Maintaining security, public order, environmental hygiene, fire prevention, and explosion prevention within the terminal area;

b) Adhering to internal rules, regulations, and guidance provided by terminal staff.

4. Responsibilities of the Department of Transport

a) Announcing and re-announcing the commencement, temporary suspension, or termination of operations of passenger terminals in the locality; in cases of temporary suspension or termination, announcement must be made at least 90 days prior to the cessation date. The announcement document must be simultaneously sent to the Vietnam Highway Administration and published on the Department's website;

b) Managing the activities of passenger terminals in the locality;

c) Directing passenger terminals in the locality to apply passenger terminal management software.

d) Organize regular and surprise inspections and checks on units operating passenger bus station services within the local area.

5. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Road Administration

a) Compile and aggregate data on the national system of passenger bus stations;

b) Organize regular and surprise inspections and checks, and handle violations by management agencies and units operating passenger bus station services nationwide.

Article 38. Provisions on the Procedures and Formalities for Putting Passenger Bus Stations into Operation

1. Initial Announcement Procedure

The unit operating passenger bus station services submits one set of application documents to the Department of Transport of the locality where the station is constructed (either directly, through postal service, or online).

2. Application Documents Include:

a) A request for announcement to put the passenger bus station into operation according to the model prescribed in Appendix VII issued together with this Circular;

b) An approval document for connecting the station's entry and exit roads to the road network from the competent authority;

c) A layout plan of the overall site of the bus station;

d) The investment construction permit decision from the competent authority and the construction acceptance record;

đ) A comparison of technical regulations under the National Technical Regulations on Passenger Bus Stations with the station's facilities according to Appendix VIII issued together with this Circular;

e) The management and operation rules of the passenger bus station issued by the unit operating the passenger bus station services.

3. Processing Procedure for Application Documents

a) Within ten days from the date of receiving complete and compliant documents, the Department of Transport shall organize the inspection of the classification criteria of the bus station according to the National Technical Regulations on Passenger Bus Stations and prepare an inspection report;

b) In case the station does not meet the criteria after inspection, the non-compliant items must be clearly recorded in the inspection report, and the unit operating the passenger bus station services must be notified within two working days from the end of the inspection; if the station meets the technical requirements of the type of station proposed by the unit operating the passenger bus station services, the Department of Transport shall decide to announce the station's operation within five working days from the end of the inspection according to the model prescribed in Appendix X issued together with this Circular;

c) The decision to announce the operation of the passenger bus station takes effect from the date of signature and has indefinite validity.

4. Reannouncement Procedure

The unit operating the passenger bus station services must submit documents to the Department of Transport of the locality where the station is located to request reannouncement and reclassification of the station in the following cases:

a) After renovation of physical infrastructure leading to changes in the classification criteria of the passenger bus station;

b) Change of the unit operating the passenger bus station services.

5. Documents for Reannouncement Include:

a) A request for reannouncement of the station according to the model prescribed in Appendix XI issued together with this Circular;

b) A layout plan of the overall site of the renovated station (if there are changes compared to the previous announcement);

c) The investment construction and renovation permit decision from the competent authority (if there are changes compared to the previous announcement);

d) The acceptance record of the renovated works (if there are changes compared to the previous announcement);

đ) A comparison of technical regulations of this standard with the station's facilities (if there are changes compared to the previous announcement);

e) Documentation proving the change of the unit operating the passenger bus station services (if there are changes compared to the previous announcement).

6. Processing Procedure for Reannouncement Application Documents

a) Within five working days from the date of receiving complete and compliant documents, the Department of Transport shall organize the inspection of the classification criteria of the bus station and prepare an inspection report;

b) In case the station does not meet the criteria after inspection, the non-compliant items must be clearly recorded in the inspection report, and the unit operating the passenger bus station services must be notified within two working days from the end of the inspection; if the station meets the technical requirements of the type of station proposed by the unit operating the passenger bus station services, the Department of Transport shall decide to announce the station's operation within three working days from the end of the inspection according to the model prescribed in Appendix X issued together with this Circular.

7. Implementation of National Technical Regulations on Passenger Bus Stations and Periodic Reporting

a) The unit operating the passenger bus station is responsible for maintaining the criteria stipulated in the National Technical Regulations on Passenger Bus Stations;

b) The unit operating the passenger bus station reports periodically on the results of operations, security and public order conditions, maintenance and investment in physical infrastructure, and compliance with the National Technical Regulations on Passenger Bus Stations to the Department of Transport where the station is located.

Article 39. Provisions on the operation of cargo bus terminals

1. Provisions for service business units operating cargo bus terminals

a) May only put cargo bus terminals into operation after the service business unit has complied with the provisions set forth in Article 40 of this Circular;

b) Ensure security, order, environmental hygiene, fire prevention, and explosion prevention at cargo bus terminals;

c) Publicly display the terminal's internal regulations, prices for services provided at the terminal, and the name and phone number of the local Department of Transport for vehicle owners to report or lodge complaints when necessary;

d) Be subject to inspection and supervision by state agencies with competent authority;

đ) Operate various types of services as prescribed;

e) Charge service fees for vehicles entering and exiting the terminal according to regulations;

g) Shall not allow transport vehicle operators to use the cargo bus terminal for picking up or dropping off passengers;

h) Refuse service to customers who do not comply with the terminal's internal regulations;

i) Fulfill other responsibilities as stipulated in the Road Law and the Law on Traffic Order and Safety;

2. Department of Transport

a) Receive documents announcing the operation of cargo bus terminals by service business units within the locality;

b) Announce information about the list of cargo bus terminals within the locality on the Department’s website; conduct inspections and handle violations by service business units operating cargo bus terminals within the locality according to regulations.

Article 40. Provisions on the procedures and formalities for putting cargo bus terminals into operation

1. Service business units operating cargo bus terminals shall organize inspections, evaluations, and comparisons of technical standards of national technical regulations on cargo bus terminals with corresponding construction projects for each type of cargo bus terminal based on actual conditions at their terminals according to the model specified in Appendix IX issued together with this Circular; announce the operation of cargo bus terminals according to the model specified in Appendix X issued together with this Circular and send the announcement document to the local Department of Transport before commencing operations.

2. Cargo bus terminals that have been upgraded, renovated, or repaired, resulting in changes to classification criteria under national technical regulations on cargo bus terminals or changes in information related to service business units operating cargo bus terminals, must reannounce. The reannouncement shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Service business units operating cargo bus terminals are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the announced information.

Article 41. Provisions on the operation of rest stops

1. Responsibilities of service business units operating rest stops

a) May only put rest stops into operation after the service business unit has complied with the provisions set forth in Article 42 of this Circular;

b) Ensure security, order, social safety, fire prevention, and explosion prevention at rest stops;

c) Ensure food hygiene and environmental hygiene at rest stops;

d) Provide free services to those in need according to regulations;

đ) Regularly maintain, repair, and supplement equipment and facilities; disseminate and promote laws, improve professional skills for workers to maintain and enhance the quality of services at rest stops;

e) Publicly display prices for goods and services sold at rest stops according to regulations; publicly display the rest stop's internal regulations;

g) Be subject to inspection and supervision by state management agencies with competent authority;

h) Submit regular reports by December 15th each year and submit ad hoc reports on the operation of rest stops as required by competent authorities and the Department of Transport where the rest stop is located.

2. Responsibilities of rest stop users

a) Maintain security, order, environmental hygiene, fire prevention, and explosion prevention in the rest stop area;

b) Comply with internal regulations, rules, and guidance from staff at the rest stop.

3. Department of Transport

a) Receive documents announcing the operation of rest stops by service business units operating rest stops within the locality;

b) Announce information about the list of rest stops within the locality on the Department’s website; conduct inspections and handle violations by service business units operating rest stops within the locality according to regulations.

Article 42. Provisions on the procedure and formalities for putting rest stations into operation

1. The business unit of rest stations shall organize inspections, evaluations, and comparisons between the technical regulations of the National Technical Regulations on rest stations and the construction items of the rest station according to the model prescribed in Appendix XII issued together with this Circular; announce the operation of the rest station according to the model prescribed in Appendix XIII issued together with this Circular, and send the announcement document to the Provincial Department of Transport.

2. After upgrading, reconstructing, or repairing construction items that affect the technical factors stipulated in the National Technical Regulations on rest stations, the rest station must reannounce its operation. The reannouncement shall be carried out according to the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article to continue maintaining its operation.

3. The business unit of rest stations shall implement the provisions of Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article before putting the rest station into operation and shall be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the announced information.

Article 43. Provisions on the operation of parking lots and bus stops

1. Requirements for parking lots

a) Ensuring security and order; meeting requirements for fire prevention and explosion control and environmental sanitation;

b) The entry and exit roads of the parking lot must be arranged to ensure safety and not cause traffic congestion.

2. Contents of business activities at parking lots

a) Vehicle storage services;

b) Organizing maintenance and repair services for vehicles;

c) Operating other services as prescribed by law.

3. Provisions for units managing and operating parking lots

a) Ensuring security, order, environmental sanitation, and fire prevention and explosion control at parking lots;

b) Publicly posting internal rules, service prices at parking lots, the name and phone number of the competent state management agency for vehicle owners to reflect and lodge complaints when necessary;

c) Compensating for losses caused to vehicle owners if their vehicles are lost or damaged while being stored;

d) Be subject to inspection and supervision by state agencies with competent authority;

d) Operating the types of services prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article;

e) Not allowing transport vehicle owners to use parking lots to pick up or drop off passengers or load/unload goods, package, transship, and store goods;

g) Having the right to refuse service to vehicle owners who do not comply with the parking lot's internal rules.

4. Responsibilities and authorities of vehicle owners or drivers at parking lots

a) Adhering to internal rules and following the guidance of parking lot staff;

b) Using services provided at parking lots;

c) Having the right to report and make suggestions to competent agencies regarding violations by the parking lot.

5. Provisions for bus stops

a) The organization of bus stops on roads must comply with the laws on road traffic order and safety and be located at convenient positions for passengers to board and alight;

b) Drivers participating in road traffic must comply with the provisions of Article 18 of the Road Traffic Order and Safety Law when stopping at bus stops.

Chapter V

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STATE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS PROVIDING SERVICES IN IMPLEMENTING SERVICE PRICES

Article 44. Vietnam Highway Administration

1. Managing automobile transportation activities nationwide.

2. Implementing responsibilities as prescribed in Clause 2 of Article 10, Clause 5 of Article 37, Point d of Clause 2 and Point c of Clause 3 of this Circular.

3. Applying information technology in managing transportation activities and supporting transportation services, organizing unified implementation nationwide.

4. Building an electronic process for online public services for procedures related to issuing, renewing, and registering fixed route passenger transport operations for automobile transport business licenses, insignia, signs, and applying them nationwide.

5. Reviewing and implementing speed limit signs for two-tier sleeper buses at necessary locations, especially in areas with mountainous terrain, at locations with small road curve radii on national highways within its jurisdiction.

6. Inspecting, supervising, and handling violations related to the organization and management of transportation within its authority.

7. Taking the lead and coordinating with relevant agencies to direct, urge, and monitor the implementation of this Circular.

Article 45. Department of Transport

1. Manage road transport activities using motor vehicles and supporting road transport services within the local area and within its authority.

2. Report to the Vietnam Highway Corporation on road transport activities using motor vehicles and supporting road transport services within the local area.

3. Receive, compile, analyze, and utilize information from vehicle tracking devices provided by transport business units (or authorized organizations) and from the database of the Traffic Police Corps to serve state management of transportation.

4. Establish a database, create an electronic information page for managing road transport activities using motor vehicles in the locality. Organize online public services to handle administrative procedures related to road transport activities using motor vehicles and supporting road transport services according to regulations.

5. Utilize data from passenger bus station management software to serve station management, inspection, and supervision of activities at passenger bus stations and drivers operating transport businesses within the local area.

6. Manage passenger transport activities involving two-tier sleeper buses.

a) Inspect and supervise units that use two-tier sleeper buses.

b) Review and implement speed limit signs for two-tier sleeper buses at necessary locations, particularly in areas with mountainous terrain and sharp curves on roads managed by the locality.

7. Inspect, check, and handle violations regarding organization and management of road transport activities using motor vehicles and operations of bus stations, parking lots, rest stops, and roadside stops within the local area according to authority.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF ENFORCEMENT

Article 46. Regulations on Reporting System

1. Report on the operation of transport businesses; Report on the results of bus station operations.

a) Name of report: transport and bus station operation report.

b) Content required in the report: results of transport business and bus station operations.

c) Entity responsible for reporting: transport business units, bus stations.

d) Receiving agency: Department of Transport.

đ) Method of submitting and receiving reports: reports can be submitted in paper form or electronically. Reports shall be sent to the receiving agency through direct submission, postal service, fax, email system, or other methods as prescribed by law.

e) Frequency of reporting: monthly.

g) Deadline for submitting reports: before the 20th day of the month following the reporting period.

h) Period for finalizing report data: from the 1st to the last day of the reporting month.

i) Outline of the report: as stipulated in Appendices XIV, XV, and XVI issued together with this Circular.

2. Report on the situation of road transport activities in the locality.

a) Name of report: transport activity report.

b) Content required in the report: results of passenger and cargo transport activities; operations of bus stations within the locality.

c) Entity responsible for reporting: Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally-administered cities.

d) Receiving agency: Vietnam Highway Corporation.

đ) Method of submitting and receiving reports: reports can be submitted in paper form or electronically. Reports shall be sent to the receiving agency through direct submission, postal service, fax, email system, or other methods as prescribed by law.

e) Frequency of reporting: annually.

g) Deadline for submitting reports: before December 20 each year.

h) Period for finalizing report data: from December 1 of the previous year to November 30 of the reporting year.

i) Outline of the report: as stipulated in Appendix XVII of this Circular.

3. Report on the situation of national road transport activities as follows:

a) Name of report: transport activity report.

b) Content required in the report: results of passenger and cargo transport activities; operations of bus stations within the locality.

c) Entity responsible for reporting: Vietnam Highway Corporation.

d) Receiving agency: Ministry of Transport.

đ) Method of submitting and receiving reports: reports can be submitted in paper form or electronically. Reports shall be sent to the receiving agency through direct submission, postal service, fax, email system, or other methods as prescribed by law.

e) Frequency of reporting: annually.

g) Deadline for submitting reports: before February 15 of the following year of the reporting period.

h) Period for finalizing report data: from December 1 of the previous year to November 30 of the reporting year.

i) Outline of the report: as stipulated in Appendix XVIII issued together with this Circular.

Article 47. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular shall take effect from January 1, 2025.

2. Repealing the following Circulars:

a) Circular No. 12/2020/TT-BGTVT dated May 29, 2020 of the Minister of Transport on the organization and management of road passenger transport activities and supporting road transport services;

b) Article 8 of Circular No. 36/2020/TT-BGTVT dated December 24, 2020 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of Circulars stipulating the periodic reporting system in the field of road transport;

c) Circular No. 02/2021/TT-BGTVT dated February 4, 2021 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 12/2020/TT-BGTVT dated May 29, 2020 of the Minister of Transport on the organization and management of road passenger transport activities and supporting road transport services;

d) Circular No. 17/2022/TT-BGTVT dated July 15, 2022 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 12/2020/TT-BGTVT dated May 29, 2020 of the Minister of Transport on the organization and management of road passenger transport activities and supporting road transport services;

e) Article 17 of Circular No. 05/2023/TT-BGTVT dated April 27, 2023 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of Circulars related to the field of road transport, supporting road transport services, vehicles, and drivers;

f) Circular No. 18/2024/TT-BGTVT dated May 31, 2024 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 12/2020/TT-BGTVT dated May 29, 2020 of the Minister of Transport on the organization and management of road passenger transport activities and supporting road transport services./.