Extended arm" of public transport
In the trend of sustainable transport development, the public bicycle model is assessed by experts as the optimal solution to connect people with large-volume transport vehicles.
In Hanoi, this strategic orientation is gradually becoming clear: Metro plays a leading role, electric buses take on transit and public bicycles solve the "final distance" problem.
From the perspective of the operating unit, Mr. Do Ba Quan - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tri Nam Digital Transport Joint Stock Company (the unit operating the TNGo public bicycle network) - said that bicycles, especially electric bicycles for rent, are contributing to attracting people to use Metro.
According to Mr. Quan, electric bicycles are popular because they do not require much effort, are suitable for many users on short distances, lasting from 15 - 30 minutes, connecting from the station to the office or office area.
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper reporters, Dr. Phan Le Binh - traffic expert, Chief Representative of OCG Japan Consulting Office in Vietnam - assessed that this is a reasonable choice to promote public transport and limit personal vehicles.
The major disadvantage of public transport is that at both ends of the journey, people have to walk. Meanwhile, most people still have a psychology of being reluctant to walk. The development of a network of bicycles or electric bicycles for rent will help people have more combined options, both increasing physical activity and being environmentally friendly because they do not emit as much as motorbikes" - Dr. Phan Le Binh analyzed.
Infrastructure bottleneck and station density problem
Despite its great potential, the actual implementation process shows that this type is still facing many barriers, making the effectiveness not maximized. One of the notable inadequacies is that the parking point network is not thick enough, not really convenient for users.
Dr. Phan Le Binh said: "To promote efficiency, bicycle parking spots need to be arranged with high density in the central area, near urban railway stations and large bus transfer points. If the distance from the parking spot to the workplace is too far, people will have difficulty returning their vehicles, thereby reducing motivation to use them.
Sharing the same view, Mr. Do Ba Quan admitted that the biggest difficulty currently is infrastructure. Many customers are not satisfied when the parking spot is still far from their workplace or have to pay extra fees if parking outside the prescribed area.
To prepare for the network expansion plan, expected to put more vehicles into operation in September or October 2026, representatives of Tri Nam proposed that Hanoi create conditions for land funds on sidewalks.
According to calculations, in locations with sidewalks over 3m wide, it is only necessary to arrange about 3-4m in width for each parking spot of 5-10 vehicles; arrange a station every 50-100m is appropriate. This approach still ensures a minimum area of 1.5m for pedestrians according to regulations" - Mr. Quan proposed.
According to experts, besides infrastructure, technology and convenience in payment are considered key to attracting people. Currently, Hanoi has implemented inter-connected payment between electric buses and buses.
Dr. Phan Le Binh suggested: "If public bicycles are directly integrated into the common payment system with Metro and buses, this will be a great motivation. When the payment process is simplified and unified, people will feel more convenient, thereby being ready to switch from personal vehicles to public transport.
With a methodical implementation roadmap and timely removal of infrastructure obstacles, public bicycles are expected not only to be a means of transportation support but also to become the "key" to completing the green transportation network of the Capital.
