HCM City seeks Sweden’s BRT model consultancy
Ho Chi Minh City would like to refer to Sweden’s experience in developing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) model and public transport in general, a local official has said.
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Speaking at a conference held in the city on December 13, Director of the municipal Department of Transport Bui Xuan Cuong revealed that the locality plans to build a long-term investment strategy in the field, towards environmentally friendly BRT systems meeting standards of safety, security, convenience and time-saving.
Traffic congestion, pollution, flooding, narrow streets and an increase in vehicles are challenges to HCM City in developing urban infrastructure, he noted, adding that BRT development is considered a solution to the issue.
The city plans to run BRT route No.1 by 2020, contributing to meeting 15-20% of passenger demand, he said.
Vivianne Gillman, Commercial Counsellor of the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam stressed BRTs have been used in her country for more 40 years and this is also a successful model in many developed countries.
She shared difficulties with HCM City in developing into a smart city, including building a BRT network, saying the municipal authority needs to plan carefully for the scheme.
Statistics reported by the municipal Department of Transport showed that as of August this year the city has nearly 7.5 million motorbikes and more than 660,000 cars.
The city currently operates 199 bus routes with a total of 2,215 diesel engine buses and 338 using compressed natural gas.
