A train of Ha Noi Railway Transport Company leaves Ha Noi Train Station. — VNS Photo Khanh Duong

Vietnam Railways (VR) said that its revenue dropped by nearly VND65 billion (US$2.8 million) in the past 19 days compared to the same period last year due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Specifically, 39,263 tickets were returned for refunds. Due to the reduction in passengers, railway transport joint stock companies had to cancel 78 passenger trains, 8.3 per cent lower than planned.

Passenger transport revenue is expected to fall by VND54.8 billion, decreasing 13.3 per cent over the same period last year. Cargo transport revenue is expected to decrease by VND9.9 billion.

In order to minimise damage, VR is implementing policies to reduce fares on North-South trains, and promotion programmes for groups and tourism companies with early booking, long distance or large number of passengers.

However, the promotion of rail fares was not attractive enough to passengers, partly because of the continuing epidemic, partly because fares of other means such as aviation and road were also discounted, said VR. — VNS