The Vientiane BRT is a suspended Bus Rapid Transit system that was planned as part of a sustainable transport system for the city. The BRT went through a trail phase from September 2025, and it was suspended in December 2025.
This page includes links and resources to any planned urban transit systems that are proposed for Vientiane. Other proposals in the past have included a Light Rail Transit (LRT) and a commuter railway that would utilise the lines of the Laos-China Railway and the Thailand rail link.
Links And Resources
Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project in Lao PDR
Presented by Panya Manivong, Deputy head of Environmental Division, Vientiane Urban Development and Administration Authority ( VUDAA).
News Archive
2025
BRT trial suspended as government orders design revamp – [24/12/25]
“The Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project (VSUTP) has announced the indefinite suspension of the trial operation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, following a government order to redesign the bus lanes and the overall system.”
PM orders changes to BRT lanes amid traffic flow concerns – [17/12/25]
“The Prime Minister has ordered changes to planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) traffic lanes, part of the Vientiane Urban Sustainable Transport Project, in response to public concerns over traffic congestion and road safety.”
Prime Minister Orders Payments to Contractors, Signals Changes to BRT Project – [15/12/25]
“The Prime Minister has approved payments to contractors for work already completed under the Vientiane Urban Sustainable Transport Project (VSUTP), while ordering adjustments to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system following public concerns over traffic and safety.”
Five Vientiane BRT accidents in November trigger social media backlash – [24/11/25]
Eight parking zones planned in Vientiane ahead of BRT launch – [03/11/25]
Temporary use of BRT lane permitted to ease traffic congestion – [17/09/25]
Vientiane prepares for BRT launch with new parking rules – [03/09/25]
Vientiane to launch first BRT system in Laos – [19/08/25]
“Vientiane will officially launch a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) trial in early September 2025, offering three months of free service. This marks the first time in Laos that a modern mass transit system will operate on a dedicated route, separate from regular road traffic, replacing the city’s old, noisy, and polluting bus system.”
BRT bus drivers begin training ahead of trial run in Vientiane – [19/08/25]
Vientiane’s BRT project reaches over 80% completion – [14/07/25]
Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transit service set to begin trial operations by end of August – [07/07/25]
Officials defend tree maintenance amid controversy over Vientiane transit expansion – [25/06/25]
Bus-Rapid-Transit road rushing to be completed before Lao New Year – [07/04/25]
2024
Vientiane’s new bus project: A step forward or a traffic gamble? – [27/12/24]
Construction of Bus Rapid Transit system now 35 percent complete – [9/12/24]
“The construction of bus lanes and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations under the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project is currently 35.51 percent complete, while the 55 buses that will be put into service have now been delivered.”
Vientiane’s BRT project on track for mid-2025 completion – [30/10/24]
First direct export of New Energy Buses from Guizhou to Laos begins via China-Laos Railway – [29/10/24]
Guiyang-made new energy buses debut in Laos – [14/10/24]
“A total of 55 new energy buses were exported to Laos, manufactured by Chery Wanda Guizhou Bus Co, Guizhou’s leading new energy bus company. At the handover ceremony, representatives from the two sides exchanged keys to the vehicles.”
Vientiane sustainable urban transport project reaches 63% completion – [04/09/24]
“The Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project has achieved 63% completion. The project involves establishing an urban transport management system, improving public bus services, developing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and enhancing traffic management.”
Vientiane moves closer to efficient bus service – [05/06/24]
“Construction of bus lanes and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations under the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project have begun in Vientiane with the work expected to be complete by the end of December.”
2022
Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project: Procurement Plan – [24/03/22]
2021
Lao PDR: Setting Vientiane on the road to sustainable transport – [07/12/21]
“The centerpiece of the project is a modern BRT system. Three BRT routes with a length of 149 kilometers (km) (ITECC Mall–Non Teng, Tha Ngon–Thongpong, and National University of Laos–Fa Ngum Statue Park) will be integrated into the VCSBE network. Their combined network will total 304.4 km. A BRT corridor between the National University of Laos and Fa Ngum, consisting of 12.9-kilometer dedicated bus lanes with 28 enclosed stations, will be developed to transform the city center. The BRT system, once completed, will feature 50 new battery-electric buses.”
2019
EPTISA became the consultant for the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project in Lao PDR – [06/12/19]
“EPTISA, as the leader of the Consortium formed by Getinsa and BRT Plan, will implement the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project (VSUTP) in Laos financed by the European Investment Bank and co-financed by the Asian Development Bank, which aims to improve the quality of life for the people in Vientiane by improving its access and mobility within the city.”
Low carbon buses for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Vientiane Capital – [10/11/19]
2017
Vientiane sustainable urban transport project underway – [11/01/17]
“An official in charge of the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project has said that financial support has been obtained that will help establishment of a BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) system, which is one major goal of the project.”
2015
Transit-anchored transformation afoot in Vientiane, Laos – [22/04/15]
“Central to the plan for Vientiane is a 11.5 kilometer BRT corridor through the city’s downtown. In addition to the 24 stations and high-quality corridor design, the plans feature a transit mall through the heart of the historical conservation zone.”
ADB to help Lao PDR’s Vientiane set up sustainable transport system – [12/03/15]
2014
Initial Environmental Examination – [August 2014]
LAO: Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project.
BRT detailed conceptual design for Vientiane completed – [22/07/14]
Choosing a mass transit line – Urban development shaped by a public transport system
Summary of the results of the experts’ workshop March 3 – 6, 2014 – Vientiane, Laos.
2013
Planning for the commuter line in Vientient Capital – [14/06/13]
This line would use the Laos-China Railway and Thailand link for commuter railway services within Vientiane.
Environmentally Sustainable Transport In Lao PDR
Seventh Regional EST Forum in Asia, 23-25 April 2013, Bali, Indonesia.
2011
Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport – [November 2011]
2008
The Study of Master Plan on Comprehensive Urban Transport in Vientiane, Capital in Lao PDR – [April 2008]
Japan International Cooperation Agency Katahira & Engineers International.
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