The numbers of traffic accidents and traffic-related casualties and injuries in Ho Chi Minh City within the first two months of 2018 surpassed the figures reported in the same period last year.

The municipal Department of Transport organized a media briefing on Tuesday to address traffic-related issues arising during the first two months of this year.

Traffic was deemed complicated in Ho Chi Minh City.

The department reported 707 cases of road accidents, which caused 143 deaths and 492 non-fatal injuries, an increase of 43 deaths and 116 injuries compared to the first two months of 2017.

The metropolis had to handle more than eight million vehicles as of mid-February, including 677,309 cars and 7,493,595 motorbikes, according to the department.

The total number of passengers using public transport rose six percent in comparison with the same period last year, reaching 100.4 million.

There were 60,696 passengers using internal waterway transportation, 42,291 of whom used the new waterbus.

The department also announced a future project establishing parking lots around the municipal perimeter.

The paperwork is currently being finalized as prospective investors for the project have been chosen.

A number of underground parking spaces are going to be established at the Trong Dong Stage, Tao Dan Park, and Hoa Lu Stadium in District 1.

Construction is expected to begin this year and complete in 2020.

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