Ho Chi Minh City urges officials to use buses, metro twice a week

Under Plan No. 585 issued by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, agencies, and local authorities will encourage at least 80 percent of their staff to use public transport for commuting, meetings or daily activities at least twice a week.

Results will be incorporated into periodic annual quality assessments and ratings of agencies, organizations and local authorities, as well as individual employees.

Leaders of agencies, organizations, and local authorities are expected to lead by example and promote wider adoption of public transport. 

Models and individuals with outstanding achievements in developing public transport will also be selected for commendation.

By 2030, the city aims for public transport to meet 15-20 percent of urban travel demand. 

More than 95 percent of transactions are targeted to be cashless, while 100 percent of trips are expected to be electronically authenticated and recorded on the MultiGo platform.

In 2027, the city aims to have all urban buses powered by electricity or green energy. Before 2030, all buses and taxis are targeted to run on electricity or green energy.

To make buses, the metro, and other public transport options more accessible, the city will improve connections between bus services, metro stations, inland waterway terminals, and the public bicycle network. 

Small, demand-responsive feeder buses (DRT) will be deployed in residential areas, providing access within a radius of 300-500 meters.

Bus routes will be reviewed and restructured, with the development of electric feeder bus services and stronger connections to metro line No. 1.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee also called for action to address the encroachment on sidewalks and roadways around bus stops and shelters, as well as the installation of canopies along pedestrian routes, more greenery, public toilets, and parking facilities at transport hubs.

Transport companies and cooperatives are required to improve service standards and ensure safety and punctuality, without skipping stops or trips or refusing to serve passengers. 

They are also encouraged to switch to electric vehicles and clean energy.