Reorganize freight transport, reduce trucks in the inner city
A key solution is to reorganize freight transport in a modern direction. Large tonnage trucks need to be limited to operating in the belt area, associated with the formation of logistics centers. It is necessary to limit and move towards banning large trucks and containers from entering the inner city during the day. Goods will be gathered and transshipped at these centers, then transported into the inner city by environmentally friendly means such as electric vehicles or small trucks.
In parallel, the construction of a shared transportation exchange is considered an important solution to reduce the situation of empty vehicles - currently accounting for about 70%. This platform helps connect supply and demand, optimize journeys, and reduce unnecessary traffic. When deployed synchronously, the system will contribute to forming a unified logistics network, improving the efficiency of the supply chain and reducing inner-city traffic pressure.
Developing green logistics not only reduces congestion and pollution but also helps reduce transportation costs and increases competitiveness for businesses. This is also an inevitable trend of major cities around the world.
Along with that, Hanoi needs to strengthen the control of personal vehicles through measures such as vehicle identification, emission limit zoning. The city can establish core areas where personal vehicles are restricted or have to pay congestion fees based on emission levels. Solutions need to be implemented according to appropriate roadmaps to reduce traffic pressure and improve air quality.
However, the major barrier today is the lack of a synchronous legal framework, making transportation types such as metro, buses, taxis, technology vehicles and public bicycles unable to connect into a unified ecosystem. Therefore, the State needs to play a coordinating role, soon complete the legal corridor, establish an inter-sectoral working group and apply a controlled testing mechanism (sandbox) to deploy the new model.
Regarding data, it is necessary to consider mobile data as assets of technology transport enterprises. Data sharing has been anonymized, so it becomes a licensing condition; in return, enterprises are allowed to access data forecasting demand and traffic congestion warnings in real time. At the same time, it is necessary to study and amend the Capital Law to improve the legal framework for data sharing and transport management in accordance with reality.
In terms of policy, priority should be given to developing public transport instead of providing widespread support for personal vehicles. The long-term goal is to gradually reduce personal vehicles, with a roadmap after 2035 when the urban railway system is basically completed.
Green logistics and transportation trading floors: Solution to the problem of empty vehicles
A breakthrough direction is urban development according to the TOD model (development oriented towards public transport). Accordingly, Hanoi needs to effectively exploit land funds around stations and transfer stations within a radius of 500-800m to develop high-density urban areas. Land revenue will be reinvested in transport infrastructure, creating a sustainable financial cycle. At the same time, it is necessary to apply mandatory traffic impact assessment for large projects. Investors must prove their ability to connect with public transport; if it puts pressure on infrastructure, they must contribute funds for upgrading before being approved.
Regarding infrastructure, it is necessary to accelerate the progress of key transport projects, especially bus stations, parking lots and transit points. Prioritize investment in green transport infrastructure, synchronously connecting transport modes. In the short term, smart traffic lights can be piloted, and technology platforms such as MaaS and interconnected ticket cards can be deployed.
It is necessary to develop flexible modes of transport such as mini buses and public bicycles to increase access to public transport. When the metro system is completed, these types will be integrated, contributing to reducing personal vehicles and completing the smart transportation ecosystem.
According to Mr. Dao Viet Long - Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Construction, the synchronous implementation of solutions not only solves the traffic problem but also creates motivation for economic development, improving the environment and improving the quality of life. The city needs to soon establish an inter-sectoral working group, apply sandbox mechanisms, mobilize resources for green transformation and complete the legal framework, including specific mechanisms in the revised Capital Law.
