PHNOM PENH – People of all ages are opting to use the city bus over their own transport due to its enhanced security, affordability, ability to alleviate traffic congestion and its positive impact on the environment.  

Seventh grader Run Sinaroth has been using public buses for about two years, traveling between Chea Sim Chroy Changvar High School and her home. 

Sinaroth always raises her hands in a gesture of respect to the drivers when boarding or getting off the bus. 

“As a student, I benefit from this service without any cost. Additionally, it relieves my parents’ task of taking me to school. I also find city buses are safer than driving on my own,” Sinaroth said. 

Seventh grader Run Sinaroth. Photo_ Soy Ratanakvisal

“Taking a city bus in the rainy season helps me from getting wet. Meanwhile, it helps me get cooler in the hot season. 

“I intend to see more people using this public bus service as it helps reduce traffic congestion and transport costs,” she said. 

Market vendor Yim Sopheak pays only 1,500 riel [around $0.36] for one ride, traveling from Kilometer 6 in Russey Keo district to an area near the Bokor traffic light in Boeung Keng Kang district. 

“Traveling by city bus is more affordable and safer.  Additionally, the bus is equipped with a good air conditioner,” Sopheak said. 

Market vendor Yim Sopheak. Photo_ Soy Ratanakvisal

“I have been using this public service since 2018. In addition to its good service, the drivers strictly adhere to the traffic laws to ensure passengers safety. 

“I have seen more people using this service, including students, factory workers, and elderly,” she said. 

Sopheak said she wants to see city buses in more areas, which would make travel easier. 

Another city bus user, Sou Marina, said she could save 7,000 riel [around $1.70] per day by using the bus.  

Marina travels from Chroy Changvar bridge to Rokakoung and back. 

“I am grateful to use this public service due to my family's financial hardship. It helps reduce my transport costs, has a good service and reliable drivers,” Marina said. 

“I have noticed improvements in both driving and safety in the city’s public bus service. 

A regular bus user Sou Marina. Photo_ Soy Ratanakvisal

“It speeds up travel between places and reduces the cost of transport, particularly as some private transport companies are raising their prices,” she said. 

Chuob Chanthol has been working as a public bus driver for more than six years, operating line 1A from Win-Win Memorial to Veal Sbov, with shifts from 12pm to 8.30 pm

“The growing number of passengers is mostly students and the elderly. It’s heartening to see them pay respect to me by respectful gestures and raising hands,” Chanthol said.  

“I am grateful to work as a public bus driver as it contributes to facilitating public transportation in the city. 

Chuob Chanthol has been working as a public bus driver for more than six years. Photo_ Soy Ratanakvisal

“This job helps lighten my family's financial burden, and having four days off each month allows me more time to spend with my family,” he said. 

Chanthol said he has to have full responsibility and be more cautious to ensure the public’s safety. 

“I intend to see more people using the bus services to reduce traffic congestion. I also would like to encourage all the passengers to keep the buses clean and to avoid engaging in any disruptive behavior,” Chanthol said. 

Photo_ Soy Ratanakvisal

The Phnom Penh Autonomous Bus Transportation Authority (City Bus) has decided to launch the public bus service from 5.30am to 8.30pm, with a ticket price set at 1,500 riel per person or per ride.

However, the service is free for monks, the elderly, people with impairments, factory workers, students and children under one meter tall. 

Public bus services are also available in provinces such as Pailin and Sihanoukville. Citizens and students have asked the government to extend these services to all provinces. This would help lower transport costs and ease traffic congestion.

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.