Voters pose for a photo in Kampong Chhnang province before returning to Phnom Penh on free buses after election. KAMPONG CHHNANG ADMINISTRATION
On July 24, the day after Cambodia’s 2023 general election, droves of citizens journeyed back to their daily lives using free bus services provided by the state. This comes as a result of efforts to ease individuals’ expenses as they return to work post-election.
Sun Sovannarith, the governor of Kampong Chhnang province, told The Post on July 24 that 19 buses, under the auspices of the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, were transporting people from his province back to the capital.
“After the general election concluded, 19 buses from Phnom Penh arrived in Kampong Chhnang province.
“These buses were tasked with transporting passengers back to Phnom Penh, free of charge,” he said.
Sovannarith and relevant parties within the provincial administration visited and personally oversaw this mass return to work.
“We’ve made a direct inspection of people’s travel back to their work,” he said.
In Siem Reap, officials noted a higher than expected turnout of citizens using the complimentary bus services from Phnom Penh, with the province given a fleet of 10 buses to support this.
“The 10 buses arrived on July 22 and would return on July 24, providing free transport from Siem Reap back to Phnom Penh.
“Passengers just hopped the buses at the designated terminal with no need for ticket reservations,” said the provincial administration.
In coastal Preah Sihanouk, 10 buses had been dispatched to the province to help garment workers and others travelling to vote.
While the precise count of passengers journeying before and after the general election remains to be verified, the Phnom Penh City Bus Authority announced on July 24 that buses were in operation, providing complimentary services to ferry people back to Phnom Penh.
The Phnom Penh administration allocated about 400 buses including rental ones to ensure free travel from 10 different locations in the capital between July 22 and 24.
This service was implemented following advice from Prime Minister Hun Sen to offer free bus services to the people.
This measure has been well-received by social observers, who view it as an effective strategy in alleviating people’s expenses during the election period.
Additionally, it’s regarded as a considerable step towards curbing potential hikes in taxi and bus fares, and reducing traffic accidents in the Kingdom.
