Hanoi inspects U-oát bus operations carrying tourists

Vehicle inspection on Hang Tre street

According to reports, many U-oát vehicles, which are decades old, have been "remade" by removing the roof and canvas, leaving only the front windshield. Some vehicles were recorded carrying more people than the prescribed number, at times carrying up to 7 tourists, although the design only allows for 4 seats.

Many passengers do not wear seat belts, while vehicles stop and park arbitrarily in the middle of crowded streets to pick up and drop off passengers, causing traffic congestion and affecting the civilized and modern image of Hanoi tourism.

During the inspection, the interdisciplinary working group noted that most of the U-oát vehicles in operation were manufactured in the early 2000s by UAZ (Russian Federation). These vehicles basically still meet the technical conditions for circulation according to the registration certificate, and the number of seats allowed to carry 7-8 people according to the original design.

Hanoi Department of Tourism inspectors check travel agency documents

In a specific case, the vehicle with license plate 99H-034.xx driven by driver PTH (born in 1974, Hai Ba Trung district) presented all legal documents, including inspection certificate, registration, business license and seat belts as required. The vehicle was manufactured in 2007 and is eligible for traffic.

The task force also conducted surprise inspections of many vehicles on central streets such as Hang Tre, Nguyen Huu Huan, and Opera House Square. Most of the vehicles had valid documents.

However, there are still cases of vehicles with white license plates (private) such as vehicle 51H-886.xx transporting tourists in violation of regulations, and the case file has been transferred to the Tourism Inspectorate for further handling.

By noon of the same day, Traffic Police Team No. 1 had recorded 10 violations of U-oat vehicles in Hoan Kiem District. Meanwhile, Traffic Police Team No. 3 also handled 3 similar cases in Kham Thien Street, Dong Da District.

There are still cases of drivers using white-plate cars (private) to transport tourists.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thanh Hai (Traffic Police Team No. 1) said that in the past 2-3 years, tourism activities by U-oát cars have developed strongly. On that basis, the Traffic Police have had plans to patrol, control, and handle violations. For the type of U-oát cars carrying passengers, any cases of contract violations related to travel companies will be handled by the Department of Tourism Inspectorate.

According to current regulations, passenger cars with less than 9 seats must comply with the age limit: taxis must not exceed 8 years, contract cars must not exceed 12 years. U-oat cars – even with special designs – are not exempt from this regulation.

To deal with the above situation, the Traffic Police Department recommends strengthening coordination between functional forces, including the Traffic Inspectorate and the Tourism Inspectorate. In addition to punishing common traffic violations, it is necessary to clarify the activities of travel agencies using U-oat vehicles.

In case of failure to ensure conditions for transportation business, it is necessary to handle according to regulations, to ensure traffic safety and build a professional and sustainable tourism environment.

According to Culture Newspaper

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/ha-noi-kiem-tra-hoat-dong-xe-u-oat-cho-khach-du-lich-20250418102301631.htm