HCMC – HCMC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Tokyu Corporation to study a light rail transit (LRT) system to improve connectivity within the city and surrounding areas.
The agreement, signed on April 23, aims to integrate LRT into the city’s overall transport master plan alongside existing and planned metro lines. The proposed LRT network would link central HCMC with outlying areas, including former Binh Duong Province, now part of the expanded city, helping to diversify public transport options and strengthen connectivity across the metropolitan area.
The initiative follows earlier studies conducted by Tokyu in cooperation with the former Binh Duong authorities and aligns with the city government’s policy to expand mass transit infrastructure.
Amid growing traffic congestion and environmental pressures, LRT is seen as a complementary mode to metro lines, extending the reach of high-capacity public transport to satellite urban areas.
According to Tokyu, the study will focus not only on introducing a new transport mode but also on developing an integrated regional transit network. Seamless connections between LRT and metro systems are expected to improve accessibility between central HCMC and key growth hubs, supporting transit-oriented development (TOD).
