A new bus route using modern vehicles was introduced in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang, while a service featuring double-decker open-top buses entered a trial run in Hanoi on Friday.

The new bus service in Da Nang was jointly launched yesterday by the municipal administration and the project sponsor, Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF).

The project is funded by TMF with a budget of US$2.9 million and will run until March 2019.

In its first phase, the route is operated with a fleet of eight 29-seat buses with Wi-Fi access and air conditioners to make passengers as comfortable as possible.

Passengers are now able to enjoy free fares on the route for one year from its official launch.

The 19-km bus route will depart from Bui Duong Lich Street, running through Duong Van Nga, Khuc Hao, Ho Han Thuong, Chu Huy Man, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Xuan Dieu Parking Area, 3 February, Tran Phu, Ly Tu Trong, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Le Duan, Ly Thai To, Hung Vuong, Chi Lang, Le Duan, Phan Chau Trinh, Hung Vuong, Bach Dang, 3 February, Xuan Dieu Parking Area, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, before returning to Bui Duong Lich.

The complimentary buses will operate daily from 5:45 am to 8:45 pm at an interval of ten to 20 minutes.

The TMF-funded program aims to encourage people, especially the locals, to use public transportation instead of personal vehicles and to ease traffic congestion for the fast booming central city.

The first free bus is pictured in Da Nang City, central Vietnam.

On the same day, the test run of the double-decker open-top buses, the first of its kind in the capital city, was jointly operated by Transport Corporation Hanoi and the Truong Hai Automobile.

Each double-decker bus has 14 seats, with two dedicated to wheelchair users on the lower level. Its open upper level can accommodate 42 passengers with a retractable roof that can be closed during bad weather.

Hopping on the buses, visitors can enjoy amenities such as free Internet, refrigerator, and even a mini bar.

There is also an automated voice system to introduce about each tourist destination whenever the bus approaches the place.

The double-decker buses operates every 30 minutes from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on a daily basis.

It will travel through Hoan Kiem Lake, Le Thai To, Trang Thi, Dien Bien Phu, Doc Lap, Hoang Van Thu, Hung Vuong, Thuy Khue, Mai Xuan Thuong, Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Dieu, Le Hong Phong, Hung Vuong, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Cu Nam, Phan Boi Chau, Ly Thuong Kiet, Phan Chu Trinh, the Hanoi Opera House, Trang Tien, Dinh Tien Hoang.

Double-decker buses are commonly used to give tourists a great view of the city. The service is embraced in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Hong Kong.

A double-decker bus runs through Hanoi.

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