Iv Tao, a 50- year-old Cambodian construction worker at Techo International Airport, switched to bus service from motorbike after the Middle East conflict drove up fuel prices, saying that bus travel saves money and is safe and comfortable.
Tao said riding his motorbike more than 25km from home in a Phnom Penh slum to the airport cost him about US$1.50 (RM6.11) a day for petrol and risked a road accident, while a round trip by bus cost only US$0.75 (RM3.06).
“Utilising public transit has lowered commuting costs for passengers. I’m 100% satisfied with this bus service because it provides excellent public transportation,” he said.
Chuob Sreyleap, a 54-year-old housewife, said she takes the city bus daily from home to the market, noting that commuters have increased in recent months due to rising oil prices.
“I choose to use this city bus service because it reduces our commuting expenses, alleviates traffic congestion and ensures safety. It’s comfortable as the bus is clean and has air conditioning.”
Regular petrol cost US$0.98 (RM3.99) per litre on Monday, while diesel was priced at US$1.01 (RM4.12), according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Thong Mengdavid, deputy director at the China-Asean Studies Centre of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said taking the city bus offers a reliable and budget-friendly alternative as soaring fuel costs make driving personal vehicles increasingly expensive. — Xinhua
