As Cambodia's traditional Pchum Ben festival approaches, large numbers of people who work and live in Phnom Penh have been heading back to their hometowns to reunite with their families. To facilitate travel, the Phnom Penh municipal government has arranged 600 public buses to provide free transport for people traveling between Phnom Penh and provinces across the country.
Recently, the bus station in Phnom Penh's Chrouy Changvar district has welcomed a large influx of returning passengers, with many carrying luggage and boarding the free buses in an orderly manner to begin their journey home.
It is understood that the free buses at this station mainly serve five provinces: Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Pailin, making it easier for people to return home during the festival.
The free bus service is intended to reduce travel expenses for the public, ease pressure during the holiday travel period, and help more people get home smoothly to reunite with their families.
Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia's important traditional festivals. During the festival, people usually return to their hometowns to reunite with relatives and visit pagodas to pay respects to their ancestors, expressing remembrance for departed loved ones.