And we also hope to continue the study it is also urged that we should continue the study on public transport based on the Japanese assistance. And it was told that the plan of the mass transit was already established. And even if it is expensive, we should realize the mass transit system.
And Dr.Chinh has introduced a very interesting study about buses and railway. Some of them have been conducted himself and some by other organizations. And Mr.Long has also mentioned that it is very important to integrate various transport modes all together. And I also mentioned about financial matter and organization matter in order to realize the mass transit system. And I think those are the basically important points of the presentations.
And from now on, I would like to start the discussion. Of course, we have many things to discuss about, but because of the time constraints, I would like to focus on the most important points. The first point is that probably you all agree that we need a public mass transit system, railway system or bus system. So my first question is: "What do you think is the largest problem that we must solve for the realization of the expected mass transit system?" And I think Dr.Iwata can answer this.
Dr.Shizuo Iwata, ALMEC Corporation
I am a foreigner, not a resident of HCMC, but to my eyes, after we have seen many experiences in many ASIAN cities. And we have pointed out one of the unique factors is motorcycle. We don't have any other cities in the world like HCMC, where the people are enjoying very convenient and flexible transport. So how can we expect the people to give up, and on what conditions, their motorcycles to ride in mass transit system, even when it is air-conditioned and as good as you see in various slides. This is one thing I cannot answer to myself.
Mr.Sy, Vice Director of PUPWS HCMC People's Committee
In my opinion, the largest barrier is that there are about 2 million motorcycles of all kind in operation in HCMC. Traveling by motorcycles and other 2-wheel vehicles has been a habit of HCMC dwellers. People can easily and flexibly use their motorcycles for their business without having to spend time waiting. It is extremely hard to change this habit, but it is not impossible. It is best to convince the people that it is better and more convenient to take public mass transit than 2-wheel vehicles.
Frankly, I think now is the time we do something more practical than those routines studies, which come one after the other to be forgotten in some tables. It is necessary to carry out a practical project to tell the people that it is more economical, safer and more convenient to take mass transit. Once we have pointed out the barrier, that is the habit, we must act to crack it.
And I hope that the development of HCMC public transport system will be realized with the support of all organizations, companies and agencies that participate today seminar.
