Create connectivity infrastructure
According to experts, Hanoi's public transport system is gradually being completed. The bus network is improving quality, public bicycles are being put into operation, while urban railways are gradually expanding.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong (Ba Trieu street) said that to build a civilized city, a clean and safe living environment is needed. Hanoi City needs to continue investing in transit stations, creating favorable conditions for people to switch transportation methods, and at the same time increase electric vehicle charging points to meet actual needs.
Ms. Nguyen Khanh Phuong (Van Quan urban area, Ha Dong ward) said that because her house and office are both near the Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro line station, she has formed the habit of taking the metro instead of motorbikes when going to work. According to Ms. Phuong, convenience in accessing the station is an important factor to help people proactively change their travel habits.
To make policies to encourage people to use public passenger transport effective, Hanoi City is implementing a support infrastructure system, creating conditions for people to switch from personal vehicles to public transport.
Representatives of the Traffic Infrastructure Management Department (Hanoi Department of Construction) informed that the pilot area selected has a core area that is typical enough, creating conditions to assess the impact of policies and as a basis for research and replication in the coming time. The Department of Construction has coordinated with ward authorities to review and arrange 220 parking lots and points for vehicles in and near Ring Road 1.
The city also plans and arranges 10 large transit parking lots in Yen Phu, Tran Khat Chan, Cau Giay, Tran Khanh Du, Tran Quang Khai and Thu Le Park area.
These parking lots are expected to create a transit point, helping people park their personal vehicles before continuing their journey by bus, metro or other public transport.
Green traffic associated with urban planning
Along with supporting infrastructure, Hanoi City is shifting urban railway planning towards forming a network instead of developing independent routes. According to experts, the effectiveness of the metro is not only assessed by the length of the railway tracks or train speed but also depends on people's accessibility.
Therefore, the "first stage - last stage" problem is being posed by Hanoi City in the process of public transport development. Combining expanding the bus network connecting key stations, developing pedestrian spaces, public bicycles and transit parking lots.
Hanoi Metro General Director Le Bang An said that Hanoi Metro is gradually building an open digital transport ecosystem, connecting modes of transport and urban services on the same platform, helping people access services more conveniently, saving time and costs. Public transport not only serves travel needs but can also become a driving force to reorganize urban space.
Through the TOD model (urban development oriented towards public transport), areas around stations can be planned into places to concentrate services, jobs, housing and public spaces.
Along with that, infrastructure serving clean energy vehicles is being expanded.
Statistics show that Hanoi City currently has more than 2,300 charging station locations with over 10,200 charging ports and about 1,650 battery exchange cabinets. According to functional sectors, this network basically meets current needs and will continue to be invested and expanded to suit the speed of vehicle conversion. In the pilot program of the Low Emission Zone, functional sectors will closely monitor actual travel needs.
Based on the collected data, management agencies will analyze demand according to each route, stop and time frame to adjust the frequency of trips and vehicle capacity accordingly.
Representatives of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment said that Hanoi City is completing a mechanism to support people and businesses to convert vehicles.
When the metro network connects new development poles, public transport is expected to become one of the driving forces leading the urban development process, contributing to bringing Hanoi City towards a green, smart and sustainable city.
