{"id":8335,"date":"2021-07-23T12:38:16","date_gmt":"2021-07-23T04:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=8335"},"modified":"2021-07-26T16:20:13","modified_gmt":"2021-07-26T08:20:13","slug":"buses-portable-malls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/buses-portable-malls\/","title":{"rendered":"Saigon Turns Buses Into Portable Malls, Bringing Veggies & Meat To Citizens’ Doorsteps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saigon authorities use buses as portable malls<\/h2>\n
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Saigon is under a strict Covid-19 social distancing policy, which means all forms of public transportation \u2013 most notably buses \u2013 have stopped operating.<\/p>\n

But rather than letting these vehicles lying around and collecting dust, authorities have other ideas: they\u2019ve turned buses into portable malls<\/strong> to carry goods straight to citizens\u2019 doorstep.<\/p>\n

Read on for more details on how the idea works.<\/p>\n

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The buses allow citizens to get veggies and meat without long queues at malls<\/h3>\n
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\nImage credit: Tu\u1ed5i Tr\u1ebb<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

While Saigon authorities have been working hard to ensure the city has enough food to provide for its people, getting groceries from markets and malls isn\u2019t always convenient. As these spots receive a large number of customers daily, shoppers often have to endure long queues, not to mention that these large crowds carry risks of infection.<\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: Tu\u1ed5i Tr\u1ebb<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

To mitigate the issue, HCMC Department of Industry and Trade has directed bus operators to turn their vehicles into portable malls, which citizens can access more easily.<\/p>\n

Seats on the buses are removed, and they are instead loaded with packs of veggies and meat. Outside, banners are displayed showing what goods the buses have to offer and their prices.<\/p>\n

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Citizens are on board with the idea<\/h3>\n
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\nImage credit: Tu\u1ed5i Tr\u1ebb<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

With this model, Saigon residents can now come to bus stops near their houses for resupply of groceries.<\/p>\n

As a safety measure, shoppers will queue outside and recite their orders to the bus operators, who\u2019ll bring them what they ask for and collect payment.<\/p>\n

The idea seems to have been well-received by many citizens. \u201cThere isn\u2019t as much variety as in supermarkets, and there\u2019s a slight difference in prices, but it\u2019s much more convenient,\u201d a shopper told Tu\u1ed5i Tr\u1ebb<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Stay strong and stay safe<\/h3>\n
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Saigon continues to be the epicenter of the current Covid-19 outbreak in Vietnam, reporting thousands of new infections every day. In an effort to contain the outbreak, authorities are considering further tightening security measures in certain areas.<\/p>\n

But while the numbers are admittedly concerning, it is heartening in a way to know that the city\u2019s government is trying hard to see to the basic needs of its citizens. Yes, we probably still have a long road ahead of us before we can snuff out this outbreak, but rest assured that no one will be left behind in the fight.<\/p>\n

So for now, let\u2019s trust in our leaders and adhere to their directives. It\u2019s the best we can do right now to help contribute.<\/p>\n

For more stories, check out:<\/p>\n