Commuters wait at a red light in near Santhormuk in Tuol Kork district last February. Hong Menea
Public transport has been proposed by several key ministries and institutions as the optimal solution to reduce environmental pollution, alleviate traffic congestion, and decrease costs. They suggest it will make bus and other public transport services more efficient and practical.
A workshop recently held in Preah Sihanouk province discussed this in detail, aiming to share legal standards and gather inputs for a draft sub-decree concerning public transport and parking. The workshop was chaired by Touch Sotharith, the deputy director-general of the General Department of Land Transport at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
“The Ministry has been disseminating legal standards and seeking input for the preparation of the draft sub-decree on public transport and parking,” he said.
He elaborated feedback and suggestions had been solicited from various stakeholders to create a more comprehensive and acceptable proposal to improve public transport operations. The draft was particularly beneficial for new infrastructural developments in provincial areas, such as Preah Sihanouk and Siem Reap.
“This draft sub-decree is very useful for new infrastructure in the provinces, especially in Preah Sihanouk which has 37 roads project and the 38 roads project in Siem Reap, as well as many other major road achievements connecting each economic pole,” he said.
He said the ministry has been exploring procedures for implementing new projects. These include initiatives like the “Funan Techo Canal” project, two expressway projects, the Bassac-Tonle Sap Bridge project, and several others. The implementation of these projects is part of the ministry’s overarching vision for improved transport connectivity and efficiency.
Deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk, Long Dimanche, also emphasised the importance of public transport as a tool for improving the environment, reducing consumption and costs, and mitigating pollution.
“In Preah Sihanouk, we have a lot of new road infrastructure, and the drafting of sub-decrees and public transport and parking will help create social equity for people at all levels,” he said.
Minister of Public Works and Transport, Sun Chanthol, has also urged is ministry officials and stakeholders to engage in these discussions to gather enough input for the draft sub-decree to ensure its effective implementation and accountability to all stakeholders and citizens.
