Create a breakthrough mechanism for metro development

Metro

SGGPO 05/12/2023 14:24

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City is proposing to the National Assembly a special and outstanding mechanism to develop Ho Chi Minh City, including a proposal to focus on developing urban transport. When approved by the National Assembly, Ho Chi Minh City will be the pioneer in implementing TOD and urban railways will be the core.

On May 12, the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR) organized a workshop on the model of urban development oriented towards public transport (TOD) and public-private partnership (PPP) of the urban railway system.

Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong; Mr. Kurose Yasuo, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, along with representatives of JICA in Vietnam and Japanese enterprises attended.

Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong speaks at the workshop. Photo: QUOC HUNG

Speaking at the workshop, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong emphasized that TOD investment under the public-private partnership (PPP) method is Japan's strength as it has been implemented very successfully. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City is proposing to the National Assembly a special and outstanding mechanism to develop Ho Chi Minh City, including a proposal to focus on developing urban transport (metro lines 1 and 2). When approved by the National Assembly, the city will be the pioneer in implementing TOD and urban railways are the core. Therefore, the discussion contents are very important, contributing to the TOD development policy, including the development of the urban railway system.

“The workshop aims to frankly discuss and raise awareness among the government and investors about the policy mechanisms for implementing railway development through Japan's experience; thereby perfecting the institutions and legal basis, especially relevant laws; policies to recommend the development of TOD and PPP development models, including models for implementing relevant financial mechanisms, and at the same time draw lessons and notes that can be applied in the future,” Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong requested.

Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong talks with Japanese partners. Photo: QUOC HUNG

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Kurose Yasuo, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City is a major economic center of Vietnam and Japan is very interested in and focuses on cooperation. Currently, Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has promoted development through many projects, typically metro line 1. This line has been tested and is only one step away from being put into operation and people are looking forward to it.

However, Mr. Yasuo believes that if there is only one metro line, the efficiency is limited. Therefore, the TOD model will contribute to increasing the effect. Japan is very interested in enhancing the connection between metro - bus, planning urban functions along railways... to bring about the result that people's lives do not depend on personal vehicles.

Scene at the workshop. Photo: QUOC HUNG

At the workshop, delegates shared experiences on the TOD model with the goal of taking the orientation of public transport development, in which the urban railway system plays a key role, as the basis for urban planning and development to improve the efficiency of land use, public works, reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution...

The TOD development model associated with land exploitation is a fundamental and long-term solution, especially creating investment resources to develop the urban railway network. At the same time, adjusting policies, building and perfecting institutions to accelerate the implementation of the urban railway system is necessary.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tao-co-che-dot-pha-phat-trien-metro-post689352.html