City Hall yesterday launched five new city bus routes using buses provided by the Japanese government.

The Japanese agreed to provide 100 buses and 60 have already been delivered with 20 more arriving today. The rest will be delivered later this year.

Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng said yesterday at the launching ceremony that City Hall will use all 100 buses to service the people, especially the poor, and help reduce traffic jams in the city.

“With the new routes, we now have 13 city bus lines for people who would like to use state buses for easier and faster travel,” he said.

Mr Sreng added that officials will now identify the best locations to park the buses to make it convenient for the public to use the services.

The new routes are from Borey Santepheap 2 in Por Senchey district to the Phnom Penh Economic Zone; from Central Market to the Boeng Chhouk bus stop; from Sleng Pagoda to the Stung Meanchey bus stop; from the Royal Railway station to Pasteur avenue; and from the Kouch Kanong roundabout in Sras Chork commune to the Phsar Doeum Thkov roundabout.

Mr Sreng also ordered authorities to educate motorists not to park their vehicles at spots designated for buses as this will inconvenience the public.

He noted that City Hall will also provide bus services for people to travel from Phnom Penh to their hometowns for Pchum Ben, adding that he was waiting for advice from Prime Minister Hun Sen on how many buses should be deployed.

Ean Sokhim, Phnom Penh Autonomous Bus Transportation Authority director, said yesterday that the capital had eight public bus lines using 156 vehicles previously.

“Between 20,000 and 21,000 passengers use city buses daily,” he said. “We have now launched the five new bus lines using the buses donated by the Japanese government.”