Cambodia's Phnom Penh Free Holiday Bus Riders Rise About 23 Percent, City Says
PHNOM PENH — Riders on Phnom Penh's free holiday bus service numbered about 113,706 this year, up 21,185 — about 22.9 percent — from last year, according to figures from the Phnom Penh Capital Administration reported by the state news agency Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP). A spokesperson for the administration released the figures.
The administration estimated that riders saved between US$1.7 million and US$2.27 million in fares, based on private transport costs of 60,000 to 80,000 riel per trip. The spokesperson described the amount as a direct saving to residents. The free bus service is provided by the city administration during major holidays for residents travelling between the capital and the provinces.
October 15 is also Cambodia's annual public holiday commemorating King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, Cambodian media reported. Sihanouk died in Beijing on October 15, 2012, making this year the 14th anniversary of his passing. Born in Phnom Penh in 1922, he first ascended the throne in 1941, returned to the throne in 1993 and reigned until his abdication in 2004, after which he held the title of King-Father. The observance traditionally includes ceremonies at the Royal Palace and government institutions.
(Sources: Agence Kampuchea Presse, Phnom Penh Capital Administration, Cambodia Investment Review)
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Marcin Konsek／CC BY-SA 4.0（Wikimedia Commons）
