Hanoi Metro Achieves Significant Milestones After One Week of Commercial Operation
According to Vo Hong Truong, General Director of Hanoi Railway One Member Limited Company, the Nhon–Hanoi Railway Station segment of the Hanoi Metro successfully completed 1,370 trips during its first week of commercial operation, transporting a total of 393,100 passengers. The metro’s peak daily ridership reached 100,500 passengers. Truong noted that the development of public transportation typically occurs in three phases. The first phase serves people without access to personal vehicles, while the second phase focuses on competing with private modes of transport. Hanoi’s urban rail system has already navigated these two phases and is now entering a third phase where it is gradually gaining popularity among the general public.
Vo Hong Truong highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the metro system, noting that for every one million hours of operation, the urban rail system saves 478,000 travel hours, reduces carbon emissions by 100 tons, and generates an economic value of approximately 30 billion VND (equivalent to USD 1.27 million). These figures underscore the vital role that the development of green transportation plays in enhancing urban mobility and reducing environmental impact.
Hanoi Fast-Tracks Green Energy Transition
Hanoi is intensifying efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and promote green energy in public transportation. According to Cai Hoang Phuong, Director of the Hanoi Public Transport Management Center, the recently approved amendment to the Capital Law (Law on the Capital) by the National Assembly includes provisions aimed at addressing environmental concerns and transitioning away from fossil fuel dependency. The Hanoi Department of Transport is currently developing and preparing to implement a proposal that aligns with these legislative changes.
As part of the Vietnamese government’s broader green energy transition plan, outlined in Decision No. 876/QĐ-TTg, the country aims to have 50% of its vehicles powered by green energy by 2030, with a target of 100% by 2035. Hanoi is the first city to adopt a resolution to implement Decision No. 876/QĐ-TTg and is striving to convert 50% of its vehicles to electric by 2030, with the other 50% using natural gas. The city also aims to prioritize the introduction of electric vehicles starting in 2024.
Positive Environmental Impact of Green Bus Lines
Recent statistics reveal that Hanoi’s 10 green bus routes have reduced CO2 emissions by 36,500 tons, which is equivalent to planting 1.68 million trees. The city’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its investment in “green” buses and urban rail systems, as well as subsidies aimed at encouraging citizens to switch to eco-friendly modes of transport.
These green buses, powered by electricity or natural gas, offer a significant environmental advantage over traditional diesel-powered buses. The deployment of green buses is part of Hanoi’s broader strategy to promote low-carbon mobility and reduce the city’s overall carbon footprint. The city plans to further expand the green bus network in the coming years, ensuring more residents have access to sustainable public transportation options.
Clear Targets for Public Transportation Green Transition
Hanoi has set ambitious but achievable targets for the transition to green public transportation. By 2030, the city aims for 50% of its bus fleet to be electric, with the remaining 50% running on natural gas. To support this shift, the municipal government will accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles and offer subsidies to both citizens and businesses that adopt green transportation solutions. This initiative is part of the city’s broader effort to promote eco-friendly mobility, reduce urban pollution, and encourage sustainable development.
Cai Hoang Phuong further elaborated that Hanoi’s strategy not only seeks to mitigate environmental degradation but also sets a national precedent in the adoption of green energy in public transportation. By leading the way, Hanoi hopes to serve as a model for other Vietnamese cities and regions, demonstrating the benefits of transitioning to green energy.
While Hanoi has made significant progress in greening its public transportation system, several challenges remain. One of the major obstacles is the lack of infrastructure, particularly in terms of electric vehicle charging stations and natural gas refueling stations. The expansion of these facilities will be crucial to the continued growth of the green transport sector. Additionally, although the government has implemented subsidies to make green vehicles more accessible, the higher upfront costs of electric and natural gas vehicles remain a barrier to widespread adoption.
However, with continued governmental support and investments in infrastructure, Hanoi is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and build a sustainable urban transport network centered around low-carbon solutions.
Key Takeaways：
- Significant Progress in Metro Operations: In its first week, Hanoi’s metro system transported over 393,000 passengers, showcasing increasing public acceptance of green urban transportation.
- Accelerated Green Energy Transition: Hanoi is the first locality to implement the national green energy transition plan, aiming to convert 50% of vehicles to electric power by 2030.
- Environmental Benefits of Green Bus Lines: Hanoi’s 10 green bus routes have significantly reduced CO2 emissions, further supporting the city’s sustainability goals.
- Clear Targets for Vehicle Conversion: Hanoi plans to prioritize electric and natural gas vehicles in its public transportation system, with substantial progress expected by 2030.
- Challenges and Future Prospects: Infrastructure limitations and vehicle costs are key challenges, but ongoing policy support and investments are expected to drive the city’s green transition forward.
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