Using AI to "rescue" traffic jams.

Ho Chi Minh City already has a traffic monitoring center with a system of cameras installed throughout the city.

Người Lao Động•22/08/2025

Ho Chi Minh City can address traffic congestion with simple technological solutions, from using AI to regulate traffic lights to integrating with public transportation systems.

Ho Chi Minh City has a large area, a large population, and diverse transportation systems, but it frequently experiences traffic congestion due to inadequate infrastructure. Therefore, simple and immediately implementable solutions are needed to address this problem.

No more pointless waiting at red lights.

I work in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City, and every day during rush hour, I face prolonged traffic jams in the area of Nguyen Huu Canh - Ton Duc Thang extended road to Le Duan - Dinh Tien Hoang road… In this area, the traffic lights are often not suitable for the actual situation. While people line up waiting for the green light on Ton Duc Thang road, the opposite direction, Le Duan road, is very empty, but the waiting time of the traffic lights is not adjusted or not adjusted regularly.

This urban traffic situation also occurs in many other areas with traffic lights. At many traffic jams, to quickly alleviate the congestion, traffic police often have to manually direct traffic or change traffic control boards on the spot. Meanwhile, a simple solution to these situations is for Ho Chi Minh City to apply AI (artificial intelligence) technology installed on all roads.

When AI is applied to traffic management, the system analyzes routes that frequently experience high traffic volume entering the city center and are prone to congestion. When the control center alerts about areas experiencing prolonged traffic jams, the AI system can automatically identify and adjust traffic light durations, reducing red light times in one direction and increasing green light times in another. This is a simple technology, and the investment required is not overly expensive.

In the US, they frequently deploy mobile vehicles equipped with electronic signage. When traffic jams occur, the mobile vehicle immediately drives up and places a sign indicating that taking one route will take 10 minutes longer, while taking another route could save 10 minutes, for example. This is very simple, inexpensive, but helps to alleviate traffic flow immediately. Because the US is vast, not every location has a fixed AI system installed, which is why they use mobile vehicles to place traffic signs.

Ho Chi Minh City already has a traffic monitoring center with a system of cameras installed throughout the city. Therefore, we can completely manage traffic remotely based on actual traffic volume.

Recently, the Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper reported on the potential loss of hundreds of billions of dong annually for citizens due to the few minutes wasted on airport procedures – from security checks and baggage screening to immigration procedures, including removing shoes and belts. Comparing this to the long queues and traffic jams at intersections caused by poorly designed traffic lights, the economic cost is even greater.

In this case, the application of AI can help reduce traffic congestion. Even saving a few minutes waiting at red lights can benefit both the public and the economy.

Dùng AI — More and more people are using the metro as a means of transportation. (Photo: Bao Ngoc)

Smart mobility, elevating major cities to new heights.

For Ho Chi Minh City to become a megacity with sustainably developed infrastructure, improving the public transportation system is a top priority, and this can begin with integrated and smart solutions.

First, a multi-functional, integrated payment card system needs to be developed. The Metro Line 1 card should be compatible with all other public transportation such as buses, river buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. This card could also be integrated with student or pension cards to optimize convenience for citizens – a model that has been successfully implemented in many countries.

Next, Ho Chi Minh City needs to effectively utilize its diverse network of rivers and canals by expanding the river bus system. Developing waterways would not only serve the inner city but also connect to Vung Tau, Binh Duong , and Can Gio, creating more convenient and easy transportation options.

Simultaneously, accelerating the expansion of the metro network and the construction of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is extremely urgent. A BRT system connecting the city center with suburban areas such as Can Gio and Cu Chi, along with the completion of Ring Roads 3 and 4, will help reduce traffic congestion and promote inter-regional connectivity. With improved transportation, satellite urban areas will develop, contributing to the decentralization of the population away from the inner city, which is currently under significant pressure.

Furthermore, Ho Chi Minh City should leverage its existing railway system. Instead of waiting for metro lines to be completed, investing in the renovation of inner-city and inter-regional railway lines would immediately provide an efficient transportation option. This would diversify the public transportation system, offer more choices for residents, and significantly reduce the burden on road transport.