Momentous shift in urban transportation: Pedal power out, eco-friendly urban mobility on the rise
In a bid to transform its urban transportation landscape, Vietnam is embracing greener, more sustainable mobility solutions. This shift towards eco-friendly transport is not just an environmental policy, but a cultural evolution that is gaining traction in the country.
Hanoi, the capital city, has taken a significant step towards this goal. A decade-long plan culminated in a ban on motorcycles and scooters with internal combustion engines from the inner city, starting around 2025. This decision, motivated by severe air pollution and smog, was a response to the city's growing traffic congestion and air quality issues [1].
The strategy in Hanoi involves a phased approach since 2017, with the government committed to enforcing the ban and ensuring alternative transportation options are in place to maintain mobility for residents. While public acceptance is on the rise, concerns about transport alternatives remain.
Elsewhere, cities like Guangzhou (China), Yangon (Myanmar), and entire countries like the Netherlands have implemented restrictions on internal combustion engines (ICE) in city centres. European cities, including those in the Netherlands, have achieved this through low-emission zones (LEZs) that limit or ban ICE vehicles in urban centres [4]. Dutch policies also include mandatory EV-ready charging infrastructure in new residential construction, which supports EV adoption and reduces reliance on ICE vehicles.
Key successful strategies across these contexts include long-term, phased implementation plans, regulatory frameworks such as low-emission zones, significant investment in EV infrastructure, and complementary policies that phase out ICE vehicle sales over time [2].
In Hanoi, strategies to encourage the switch to public transport include a platform or application that connects routes "door to door" and shows the real cost and time between riding a motorbike and taking public transport. Additionally, private shuttle services from residential areas to major transit hubs can be promoted.
The country should also consider incentivizing the trade-in of old gas motorbikes for electric bikes or public transport vouchers. Vietnam should develop a national app integrating metro, buses, ride-hailing, and bike sharing, and expand public bike-sharing systems around stations.
By banning fossil-fuel motorcycles in central Hanoi, Vietnam is signalling its readiness to join progressive cities embracing clean air, efficient public transport, and healthier urban living. The goal is to change travel behaviour by demonstrating that taking the metro or a bus is cheaper, faster, cleaner, and less risky than riding a motorbike.
References:
[1] "Hanoi to ban motorbikes in inner city from 2025 to tackle air pollution." BBC News, 14 Jan. 2022, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59268635
[2] "China's Electric Vehicle Revolution: Opportunities and Challenges." World Resources Institute, 2021, www.wri.org/insights/china-electric-vehicle-revolution-opportunities-and-challenges
[3] "The Netherlands' Electric Vehicle Transition: Policies, Challenges, and Opportunities." International Energy Agency, 2020, www.iea.org/reports/the-netherlands-s-electric-vehicle-transition-policies-challenges-and-opportunities
[4] "Amsterdam Expands Low-Emission Zone to Include Gasoline and Diesel Cars." The Guardian, 17 Feb. 2022, www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/17/amsterdam-expands-low-emission-zone-to-include-gasoline-and-diesel-cars
- Vietnam's decision to ban motorcycles with internal combustion engines in Hanoi signifies a move towards sustainable living, aligning with other progressive cities embracing cleaner air and efficient public transport.
- As part of the shift towards eco-friendly transport, the Vietnamese government is considering incentives such as trade-ins for electric bikes or public transport vouchers, in addition to developing a national app integrating various transportation options.
- Similarly, cities like Guangzhou, Yangon, and entire countries like the Netherlands have implemented restrictions on internal combustion engines in city centres, utilizing low-emission zones (LEZs) as a key strategy to reduce air pollution.
- Beyond transportation, technological advancements in data and cloud computing can provide valuable insights for environmental science, helping researchers to better understand and address climate change, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle overall.
