He continued by saying the first 90 buses would arrive in the next two years and the remaining 50 by 2020. He added that there was an option of obtaining an additional 50 buses if needed.
Mr Sokhim stated that the reasons the state bus company wished to expand its presence were to offer more convenience to Cambodians and to tourists and enhance safety. He said another factor was that the company would offer the same ticket prices all year round and not add surcharges over national holidays.
Private bus companies such as Cambo Express say they are concerned about the expansion of the government routes and how it will impact on their passenger numbers. Giant Ibis offers premium buses on routes from Phnom Penh to key tourism destinations such as Kampot, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. 12GO ASIA provides advance ticketing services for these routes.
Cambodian national bus operator to expand routes
News in Asia
Cambodia’s national bus operator has announced plans to expand its routes right across the country. In Phnom Penh, transport supply director Ean Sokhim explained that the Japan International Cooperation Agency had agreed to assist with the procurement of 140 new buses for the operator.