PM officially inaugurates Prek Pnov-Phnom Penh-Takmao water taxi

• 1 August 2018
• Local News
• 721 Views

Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen presided over the official launching ceremony of water taxi from Prek Pnov to Takmao on 1 August, following the soft opening in April.

There are currently four boats in service on this first taxi service of its kind in Cambodia of which two were bought from Vietnam and two are rented from the Royal Express Boat Company. Each is capable of carrying up to 60 passengers, and all of which are equipped with air-conditioners and life jackets (read more).

There are currently five stations including Russei Keo, Psar Chas, Chaktomok, Chbar Ampov, and Takmao. All stations are connected with bus stations for passengers’ convenience for switching between land and water transport.

The boats travel at an approximate speed of 40 kilometres per hour, and from one station to another it takes between 3 to 10 minutes, with about 10 minutes stopping period at each station. From Russei Keo to Takmao, it takes about 40 minutes, which is three times faster than travelling by land.

The service is available from 5.30am until 6.30pm and the ticket price is calculated by the distance, which is 320 Riel per kilometre. Following the official inauguration, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport will transfer the service to be the responsibility and duty of Phnom Penh Municipality.

“I hope that this water transport will help reduce the traffic congestion as it is an alternative way of travelling which can save both time and money. I would like to encourage everyone to support and together help take care of all the boats, so we can use them for the long-term,” said H.E. Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister, Minister of Public Works and Transport.

Since the soft opening, there have been a total of 30,647 passengers using the boat service or equal to approximately 200 passenger per day.

Besides this project, H.E. Sun Chanthol also revealed other government master plans for water transport.

“We have now completed the feasibility study of the Phnom Penh-Kratie water transport. Moreover, we are also currently working on other projects such as the Tonle Sap route (Prek Pnov – Ponhea Lue), the Tonle Bassac route (S’ang district), the Mekong River upper route (Prek Tamak Bridge), and the Mekong River lower route (Dei Edth),” said H.E. Sun Chanthol.