2.4.2. Presentation by Dr.Eng. Vo Kim Cuong, Deputy Chief Architect, HCMC People's Committee
On behalf of the agency for the city's planning and development, I would like to express a few words on public transport development in HCMC, especially the public mass transit.
After listening to the presentation, I found that the Japanese consultants had recognized the imperative situation of urban transport development in HCMC and the risk of congestion and impacts on sustainable development in HCMC, which is caused by traffic problems.
Now comes the issue of how to shift the usage of motorcycles to buses. This will be a very difficult task. At present, bus system cannot be developed, as it is not convenient and cheap enough, and in fact it cannot compete with motorcycles in HCMC. We all know that in order to ease the worsening situation in HCMC, it is necessary to construct a mass transit system, i.e. a railway system. Although the required investment is very large, maybe as much as 10 billion (Dresden study), it is realistic if such investment is divided into years. And once it is done, there will be less traffic congestion and more attractiveness for investment.
During this seminar, I find the opinions and reports of Japanese consultants adequate and proper. I highly appreciate their assessment of the existing situation and their proposals. What I am trying to say is that I would like to emphasize on the urgency of the issue. The sooner we solve it, the better it is. We should do it now, as if we wait for some other years to implement the expected railway system in HCMC, the precious chance will be no longer in our hands and we will not be able to help the city well develop.
And I would like to recommend that we had better work out a strategy for urban transport development in HCMC rather than a detailed plan. A strategy is different from a plan, as the former shows clearer objectives, action plans, fund and implementation organization. A detailed plan without an implementation organization, without funds, without a responsible agency will not help.
2.4.3. Presentation by Mr.Dang Dinh Long, Vietnam Railway No.3 Union
I am very honored to be a representative of the Union No.3, Vietnam Railway, to participate this seminar on HCMC urban transport development, which is prepared by JTCA and TDSI South, as urban transport development has been considered a very critical issue, especially urban railway development.
The growing demand is obviously, leaving behind the existing urban transport and railway system. Public transport can only develop once the people are aware of their benefits: fast, comfortable and economical. To do this, it is required for a huge investment. Otherwise, it will be impossible to reduce personal means of transport in HCMC, namely bicycles, motorcycles and cars, and so on.
