US$14 million of the funds is being set aside to add seven new routes to the current three which serve the population of the national capital. Under the terms of the original application coordinated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project will add 180 new buses to the current fleet of 50.
When the application was originally submitted, JICA spokesperson Seng Solady noted that good urban transportation was an essential element to enable cities to evolve both socially and economically. He added that for this reason JICA had approved the submission for funding.
The three bus routes currently operational in Phnom Penh launched in September 2014. According to City Hall figures, daily ridership is up to 7,000. 12GO ASIA offers affordable bus tickets coupled with the convenience of booking online on routes from Phnom Penh to Kampot, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap.
Japan signs off on funding for Phnom Penh city buses
News in Asia
At a recent signing off ceremony in Phnom Penh, the Japanese ambassador endorsed the allocation of funds to improve city bus services. Yuji Kumamaru pledged a total of US$32 million for three projects in Cambodia.