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Hanoi is planning: 'No motorbikes downtown in 2025' |
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Four months ago, I got a chance to take part in Model ASEM held in Hanoi. I was very eager to meet many friends around the world. I always asked them about their impression of my country. However, the answer was not always nice as I hoped. One delegate from Thailand said it was traffic congestion. On hearing her answer I was very ashamed. Even the time training for the delegates was also delayed because many were stuck in the road. It can be seen that 'traffic jam' has been always hot issue in such a crowed city like Hanoi. Nowadays, Hanoi authorities are still struggling to deal with the congestion in rush hour. Hanoi used to build many other constructions such as tunnels, high ways, and many more but these contemporary acts were not enough for Hanoi to cope with the fast raising number of vehicles. It is estimated that by 2020, there will be nearly 1 million cars and 7 million motorbikes joining the traffic. Worrying that if no measures immediately were taken, it will be much more difficult to manage the traffic congestion in the next few year, Hanoi authorities are planning to 'ban motorbikes downtown in 2025'. However, the idea has been discussed with different opinions. First, Hanoi is famous for many narrow alleys and streets therefore, applying public transport to these places is very difficult. Secondly, the quality of the current public bus is not good buses usually come late, not on a fixed schedule. Thirdly, the citizens have not established a habit of walking. Many use motorbikes for 500 m or 1 km distance. Finally, many people must depend on motorbikes to make both end meets as shippers who always carry big and heavy stuff. So is this ban the good solution for traffic problems in Hanoi? I have joined a survey on public attitude to this ban. I see that 50% agreed to the ban, the other did not. I hope that Ambassadors here will contribute ideas for Hanoi to deal with the traffic congestion. I will continue update information about traffic development in a sustainable way in Vietnam. Reference: http://vnexpress.net/tin-tuc/thoi-su/ha-noi-len-ke-hoach-cam-xe-may-tu-2025-3426628.html |
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7 Comments
I know that Vietnam is a fast growing country with much success, but seeing the digits newly joining in the city traffic, i guess i didn't fully understand the fast speed of the growth! Indeed, I saw almost everyone, even a very small kid, was driving motorbikes in Hanoi and Hochimin city. I don't have a complete understanding of the city's infrastructure, street and the traffic so i can't tell for sure but some cities adopted similar penalties as well, including Seoul, which charges the drivers for driving cars in the city central. cheers!
Posted 23-08-2016 17:29
Thanks so much for all of your comments and ideas!
Posted 21-08-2016 18:13
Thao, it was very interesting to hear about Hanoi's traffic problems. The policy itself can be viewed very positive, but it does not seem to reflect the road conditions. Before banning the motorbikes, public transportation like buses should be improved. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
Posted 21-08-2016 00:51
It is true that traffic congestion is a major issue in cities, especially major cities, all around the world. In Nairobi, one of the factors leading up to this is that carpooling is not a concept many here are familiar with. Owning a car is seen as a sign of affluence and many prefer affluence over sustainability any day. After all, it's not like we're getting out alive. It's a situation where it's everyone for themselves, a concept that has proven to be detrimental not only to the environment but also to our health.
Posted 20-08-2016 05:04
I hope Hanoi traffic congestion problem can be solved.Thanks for sharing.
Posted 19-08-2016 09:43
I appreciate this ban by government as it will definitely reduce carbon emissions as well as reduce traffic congestion. Coming to the point that many people use motorbike because no proper buses /public transport etc. Well I think government should work there too to improve public transportation, build underground or overbridge metro/trains etc.
Thanks for the report.
Posted 18-08-2016 18:51
This is especially pertinent here in Manila, where I live. Not only does the amount of carbon emissions released go to extremely high rates, but the time spent is more than necessary. Such implementations made by the government, such as the one you mentioned in your article is sure to bring positive results. I wish the date could be moved sooner though, as there still will be negative impacts within this allotted 9 years. Thanks for sharing.
Posted 18-08-2016 15:48