The city is grappling with traffic overload, as nearly 400,000 new personal vehicles hit the streets each year. To address this, Hanoi is prioritizing the expansion and integration of its public transportation system. The goal is not just to introduce new transit options but to create seamless connections between them for greater convenience.
Currently, Hanoi operates two urban railway lines: Cat Linh – Ha Dong and the elevated section of Nhon – Hanoi Station, which together serve more than 700,000 passengers daily. To enhance connectivity, the city has developed dedicated bicycle lanes and established multiple bus routes that link these railway lines.
Truong Minh Son, a student, shared: “For the past two years, the Lang Street station on the Cat Linh – Ha Dong line has been my main way of getting to school. Combining public bicycles with the train has cut my travel time from nearly an hour to just 20 minutes.”
In addition to bicycles, buses are a popular option for commuters. Currently, 36 bus routes connect to the Nhon – Cau Giay Station section of the railway, with stops conveniently located near train station entrances and exits. This setup is particularly beneficial for vulnerable groups. Ho Van Minh Nhat, another student, noted: “The connection between trains and buses is incredibly convenient. It not only makes commuting easier but also encourages the adoption of public transport.”
Pham Dinh Tien, Head of Operation Planning at the Hanoi Public Transport Management and Operations Center, stated: “We are exploring and piloting inter-connected electronic tickets via mobile apps and contactless payment methods. This will allow people to use multiple forms of public transportation without having to pay separately for each one.”
Hanoi plans to build 14 urban railway lines by 2035. This ambitious project aims to create a robust public transportation network, serving as a key solution to curb traffic congestion and reduce environmental pollution.
Related
Source: Vietnam Insider