On the Way to Initiating an E-Bus System in Siem Reap

October 31, 2024

The Government of Cambodia has passed the halfway mark of its project preparation study (PPS) for the Electric Bus Fleet as Public Service in Siem Reap City. Funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea through ADB-CDIA, the PPS aims to prepare to feasibility level, a low-carbon and smart public transport system to tackle congestion and pollution in this key tourist destination.

Urban growth and tourism in Siem Reap are driving the need for modern public transport. With a population of 200,000 and 4,000-5,000 daily tourists, the city relies on motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and private cars for their transport needs. There is no formal public transport system and the necessary infrastructure like depots and charging stations are undeveloped.

Building on previous studies by the World Bank and the Global Green Growth Institute, the PPS covers the assessment of the technical, institutional, financial, and economic components, along with the social and environmental impacts, to establish the project viability under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

Following the completion of the interim stage, the ADB-CDIA consulting team found the project feasible but emphasized the need for institutional reforms and demand-generation strategies. In particular, establishing a dedicated transport authority will be vital in managing the bus operations, overseeing contracts, and coordinating among stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

To ensure the project’s feasibility by 2028 (when the e-bus system is expected to be operational), achieving the daily target of approximately 28,000 paid tickets will require strategic outreach to key groups – tourists, residents, students, and women, and the setting up of incentive programs and marketing campaigns to encourage the public to switch from private vehicles to public transport.​ Continuous monitoring of operational performance, ridership levels, and financial outcomes is also essential.

Leading to the completion of the PPS, the ADB-CDIA consulting team will:

• Refine the demand and financial modeling for more accurate projections;
• Engage stakeholders for better alignment and project buy-in;
• Develop the institutional and legal framework for a dedicated transport authority and project implementation; and
• Refine the route designs, schedules, and service frequencies based on the survey data.

“The expected increase in population and tourists in Siem Reap is likely to cause traffic congestion, therefore, it is essential to reduce the use of private cars to encourage taking public buses,” said His Excellency Kong Sophal, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

“On behalf of MPWT, we are dedicated to making this project a reality. We also require a strong commitment from all stakeholders to achieve the objectives outlined in the feasibility study,” he added.

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Link to Project Overview.

Photos:

Interim Workshop with Stakeholders, 17 September 2024