Of course, this is a controversial issue, which needs solutions and particular development strategies.
Urban transport development will lead the reduction of the use of personal modes as well as the reductions of costs for expansion of roads and other facilities. Urban transport development should never be kept away from bus, metro or elevated railway systems, which will form an integrated network in HCMC. In order to achieve the urban transport development, we are expecting for a large investment from State Budget, state-owned enterprises as well as participation of private sector. It is of no less importance that the people should actively abide by traffic law and regulations.
In particular, the railway system in HCMC is now poor, which does not satisfy people's requirements and is not linked with other public transport hubs, due to several objective and subjective reasons.
Lastly, I would say that I am very glad to see that the railway system in HCMC has now been paid attention to.
2.4.4. Presentation by Dr.Trinh Van Chinh, Vice Director, Transport Development Research Center In The South (TDSI South)
Orientation Towards Bus and Metro System Development in HCMC
Introduction of HCMC and its Public Transport System
HCMC has an area of 209,300 ha and population of 5.096 million in 1998. Together with rapid urbanization process and its large population, HCMC has become a mega-city.
The amendment of the overall layout plan for HCM City approved by the Government's Prime Minister at Decision No.123/1998/QD-TTg dated 10 July 1998 saying that "population scale of the city will reach to 10 million people"
HCMC has become a multi-functioned center in terms of socio-economic tie and played a very important role in spurring economic development of the entire region in accordance with targeted goal "industrialization and modernization" and in an endeavor to build a "civilized and modern city"
HCMC is the biggest industrial center of the whole country. It is a scientific and technical center, a commercial, financial and service center. It is a good transport node for economic exchanges in Southern region as well as for domestically and internationally economic exchanges.
Average GDP rate of HCM city has recorded fairly high: 12.6%(1991-1995), 14.6%(1996), 12.1%(1997), and 9.2%(1998). Average GDP per capita is highest of the whole country: 1998-2000: US$ 918-1, 100.
