Ho Chi Minh City makes a breakthrough with TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) along the metro and ring road.

Ho Chi Minh City is developing a Transport-Oriented Development (TOD) urban development strategy along metro lines and Ring Roads 2 and 3. This will not only reduce traffic congestion but also lay the foundation for building a modern and convenient living environment.

9 TOD development locations

The TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) model is proving to be an optimal solution that major cities around the world have successfully implemented. TOD not only reduces travel time but also creates effectively connected urban areas linking living, working, and leisure spaces.

Tan Binh District Exhibition and Sports Center (5.1 ha) is where TOD will be developed in the future.

According to an investigation by reporters from Giao Thong Newspaper, Ho Chi Minh City plans to develop TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) projects in 9 locations during the 2024-2025 period. Specifically, Metro Line 1 will have TOD development around Phuoc Long station (Truong Tho area, Thu Duc City), covering an area of ​​over 160 hectares. Metro Lines 2 and 3 will implement TOD in locations such as Tay Thanh, Tan Binh Exhibition Center, and the C30 area near Le Thi Rieng station…

With the Ring Road 3, there are 5 TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) locations, including: the Coconut Plantation area and the Long Binh area in Thu Duc City; Tan Hiep area, area No. 6 Xuan Thoi Thuong and Xuan Thoi Son area, in Hoc Mon district.

These TODs cover a total area of ​​over 1,000 hectares, and each urban site is essentially a miniature satellite city of the central areas.

According to architect Ngo Viet Nam Son, this model not only helps reduce the number of private vehicles and alleviate traffic congestion, but also encourages a friendly lifestyle, increases the value of areas surrounding metro stations, and makes them favorable locations for the development of services and commerce.

Mr. Son believes that, for the time being, Ho Chi Minh City needs to focus on doing well on Metro Line 1. For the metro to be effective, the city needs to address challenges ranging from organizing connecting bus services and building suitable parking lots to developing urban areas along the route.

More importantly, it takes time and strategy to change people's commuting habits, encouraging them to switch to the metro and walk short distances.

Three proposed models

Ho Chi Minh City has proposed three models for implementing TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) along metro and ring road routes. Firstly, the TOD model in the core area of ​​each station (within a radius of 400-500m).

This model will develop an optimal high-density urban area; mixed-use, multi-functional land use, combining commercial and service activities with residential use; walking will be the primary mode of transportation within the TOD area; and external transportation will mainly be via urban rail.

Block I/82a, Tay Thanh (26.65 hectares) has been left vacant and wasted for many years.

Secondly, the TOD model in the station transition zone (outside the 400-500m radius and within the 800-1,000m radius) involves high-density urban development; mixed land use with housing and social service facilities; internal transportation primarily involves walking and cycling; transportation connections to the station are via bus or light personal vehicles (bicycles, electric scooters, etc.); and external transportation remains primarily via urban rail.

Finally, the urban model focuses on the areas surrounding the intersections of the Ring Road 3. This model develops in the direction of forming concentrated residential areas, urban functional zones, industrial zones, logistics zones, etc.

This includes the development of medium-to-high-rise urban areas around the central core, with mixed-use land use for residential and social services; internal transportation primarily involves bicycles and electric vehicles; and external transportation mainly connects to branch roads and public transport.

Capable of deployment

Dr. Nguyen Huu Nguyen, from the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Planning and Development Association, believes that Ho Chi Minh City can fully implement the TOD model because its planning capacity and construction technology are both within reach.

Developing TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) along the metro line will bring economic and social benefits.

Of the three TOD models mentioned above, Mr. Nguyen believes that options 2 and 3 would be more suitable. Beyond focusing on transportation infrastructure connectivity, TOD areas need comprehensive design, encompassing internal transportation systems, parking, public spaces, and supporting services.

These areas need to be harmoniously integrated with urban functions such as housing, commerce, services, and social amenities to not only meet transportation needs but also improve the quality of life for residents.

"The metro is like a river, and TOD projects are like its branches; wherever the water flows, that area becomes more fertile and develops more strongly. Therefore, leveraging transportation infrastructure, especially Ring Road 3 and metro lines, for urban development is essential," Mr. Nguyen said.

Mr. Nguyen also believes that if TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) areas are developed effectively, they will bring many clear economic benefits. Firstly, the value of real estate around metro stations will increase significantly thanks to convenient transportation connections and a high-quality living environment.

TOD will promote the development of trade and services and create job opportunities. Reducing reliance on private vehicles and encouraging the use of public transport will reduce traffic congestion, save transportation costs, and reduce pollution, thereby bringing economic benefits to both the city and businesses.

The TOD model also promotes the development of supporting industries such as construction, materials, electricity, water, healthcare, and education. At the same time, suburban areas are developed thanks to improved transportation connections, creating new economic opportunities.

Reducing traffic congestion and pollution also helps reduce the social costs associated with traffic accidents and protects public health.

Ultimately, the convenient living and working environment in TOD zones will attract talented workers, creating a foundation for the development of creative and high-tech industries. TOD not only brings direct economic benefits but also creates a sustainable, dynamic, and high-quality urban environment.

Regarding the implementation schedule, in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City assigned relevant units to specifically determine the boundaries, legal status of planning, land, and urban development functions of each area.

From Q1 to Q3 2025, the planning adjustments will be prepared; in Q3 and Q4 2024, the investor selection procedures will be carried out. The project approval decision will be issued in 2025.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/tphcm-dot-pha-voi-tod-doc-metro-duong-vanh-dai-192241202234039213.htm