Expert: Claude Cordier, Paris Public Transport Company

The purpose of the mission was to tour Hanoi’s bus maintenance depots to identify problems with infrastructure, management and training. The resulting report was very negative, as most of the depots were under-equipped, had no provision for the collection of used engine oil and no brake testers were available. Coordination and dispatching of jobs among the various depots had not been established. The goal is to develop a coordinated bus maintenance plan involving the different depots. With regard to infrastructure, the Thuy Khue depot, which was renovated under this project, is to be the benchmark depot for all future renovations.

The expert also identified the training needs of technicians and depot managers. Training missions in Hanoi were slated for 2007, along with training periods at the Paris Public Transport Company for technicians qualified to become trainers. The expert outlined his diagnosis and proposals at a seminar chaired by the deputy director of the Hanoi Transport Department in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Transportation, the Transport Association of Vietnam, transport companies, researchers, etc.