Ho Chi Minh City has prioritised the development of vehicles with clean fuel, particularly buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG), in a project to bolster the use of public transport in tandem with restricting personal vehicles for 2021-30.
Hanoi (VNA) – Ho
Chi Minh City has prioritised the development of vehicles with clean fuel,
particularly buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG), in a project to
bolster the use of public transport in tandem with restricting personal vehicles
for 2021-30.
The development of
public transport is also essential for curbing traffic congestion in the
southern hub.
Statistics of the
municipal Department of Transport showed that 2,043 buses are running on 127
routes in the city. Of them, 496 are CNG ones, which help reduce environmental
pollution.
Deputy Director of the
department Vo Khanh Hung said at present, PetroVietnam Gas (PVGas) South is the
sole supplier which sets clean fuel prices. The prices often see upward trends,
dealing a major blow to CNG bus investment.
In addition, there are
only three CNG pump stations serving 180 vehicles per day.
To address the
problem, the transport sector has rolled out various measures for clean-fuel
vehicle development in the coming time.
A bus arrives at a station in HCM City (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)
The Transport
Department is working with PVGas South and relevant agencies in simplifying
administrative procedures for the building of new pump stations.
Local authorities have
also mulled over electric bus development. Three routes have been piloted since
2017 and the city will test the vehicle for tourism purpose in Can Gio
district.
Of note, the
Government has allowed HCM City to pilot the use of large electric buses with a
capacity of 60-70 passengers.
Meanwhile, the
municipal People’s Committee is advised to propose the Government promulgate
policies and guide the locality to make planning on infrastructure system
serving buses using clean fuel, along with incentives for investors./.