HCMC will allow certain types of vehicle to travel on bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes at some hours and connect BRT routes with those of normal buses.

People wait for buses at a station on Ham Nghi Boulevard in District 1, HCMC

According to HCMC vice chairman Tran Vinh Tuyen, if there are exclusive lanes for BRT, that would be a waste because at certain hours, BRT routes would not be busy.

The city will work with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to adjust the BRT project so that some types of vehicle will be able to use BRT lanes at certain hours. Besides, BRT routes will be connected with those of normal buses to pick up passengers at crowded places like Ben Thanh and Binh Tay markets, and Mien Dong and Mien Tay coach stations.  

“Other countries like Singapore link BRT routes with normal bus routes to make the most of their capacity,” Tuyen said at a tourism conference on January 11.

HCMC has boosted investment into new means of transport like metro, electric bike, electric car and BRT to make public transit more convenient and comfortable.

“The city will not ban private vehicles but improve public transport to encourage people to use it,” Tuyen said.

The city government and a Korean partner have met to discuss a plan to launch electric bike rental service.

Commuters shall install a mobile app on their smartphones which helps them find, rent and make a cashless payment for their rental bikes. Such electric bikes would be parked around bus stations so users can take a bus to other locations.

Besides, Metro Line No.1 from Ben Thanh Market to Suoi Tien Theme Park is 50% complete and would be put into service late this year. The city is also weighing a plan to launch electric cars that carry passengers from some stations like Bach Dang Wharf to a number of tourist attractions and office buildings.

“The city is calling for stronger investment in public transport as well as more support from the Government. Transport plays a vital role in the city’s development,” Tuyen said.

SGT