HCMC-Vung Tau high-speed boat service to resume after 10-day suspension

GreenlinesDP Technology Co. Ltd., which operates out of Bach Dang Wharf in HCMC’s District 1, has had to suspend the service for over 10 days after failing to seek extension of its license, which expired on March 31.

Tran Quang Lam, director of HCMC’s Transport Department, said Thursday that the company has been allowed to continue providing the service from Friday until the end of the year, while the city looks for a more suitable location for its boats.

The department earlier said the city will find a suitable location for the service once it completes work to renovate Bach Dang Wharf.

The wharf has been redeveloped into a park with themed decorations that draws large numbers of visitors every day, especially during weekends.

HCMC-Vung Tau high-speed boats dock at Bach Dang Wharf in HCMC’s District 1. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Tran Song Hai, the company’s director, said it has asked the city to quickly allocate a new location as it expects to transport 3,000 people a day during the five-day Reunification holiday from April 29.

The Saigon-Vung Tau-Can Gio high-speed boat service started in 2018.

It stops en route at HCMC’s coastal Can Gio District, and a trip costs VND200,000 (US$8.53) and takes two hours, compared to around three hours by road.

During the 10-day suspension, the company said it refunded around 8,000 tickets.