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