Several experts have opposed the proposed HCM City ban on motorbikes in the city centre by 2030.

Congestion in HCM City

Vo Kim Cuong, former deputy head of the HCMC Chief Architect's Office, said it would be impossible to ban all motorbikes in the city centre by 2030 as 90% of people were using motorbikes as their main means of transport. Moreover, because of the vast number of alleyways, the authorities would have to demolish many buildings if they wanted to ban motorbikes to boost public transport.

According to Cuong, instead of banning motorbikes, the authorities should have policies to limit personal cars first and gradually limit the number of motorbikes.

"There must be a long-term plan that is suitable to the city's budget. If the infrastructure and public transportation are all good then naturally the public will choose public transportation. It can't be forced," he said.

Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son agreed and said public transport would not develop well without attention to infrastructure development and urban planning. Other agencies, especially the Department of Planning and Architect must work with the Ministry of Transport on this project to gather opinions from the public.

He went on to say that there are too many bus routes in HCM City and they are not effective. Citizens should be able to access bus stops quickly and go anywhere they want.

"It must be researched carefully. In Vietnam, some buses are overloaded while others are empty and suffer losses. Increasing the number of public transportation is not the sure-fire method to reduce personal vehicles. Public demands must be considered," he said.

Lao Dong/Dtinews