The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has proposed that municipal authorities ban sleeper buses from entering into the city center, in a bid to crack down on illegal passenger pick-ups and drop-offs and prevent traffic congestion and ensure traffic safety.

The recommendation was made after the ban was applied on a trial basis for four months from January 10 between 6am and 10pm.

Sleeper buses will not be permitted to enter into the off-limits area within National Highway No. 1A - Nguyen Van Linh - Vo Chi Cong - Nguyen Thi Dinh - Dong Van Cong - Mai Chi Tho - Hanoi Highway - National Highway 1A.

The department said the traffic situation in the city center was much improved during the trial period.

The city now has about 58 companies providing passenger transport services on inter-provincial routes with nearly 1,600 vehicles, while more than 1,350 companies provide over 90,800 contract cars and tourist cars.