HCMC – Vietnam should adopt transit-oriented development (TOD) as a key strategy to manage urban expansion and enhance public transportation, according to experts cited by the Vietnam News Agency.
The Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association (VUPDA) said the country’s transport infrastructure has lagged behind rapid urbanization, with insufficient land allocated for roads and other facilities compared to standards for large cities.
Dao Ngoc Nghiem, VUPDA vice chairman, said TOD is a scientific approach that could help mitigate these challenges. TOD focuses on concentrating residential, commercial, and cultural developments around high-quality public transportation hubs.
This approach can create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and improve air quality, according to experts.
Dang Huy Dong, director of the Planning and Development Institute, noted that TOD fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between urban development and transportation infrastructure.
By integrating residential areas with metro stations, TOD can ensure a consistent flow of passengers, making the metro system more financially sustainable.
Experts also pointed out that Vietnam could generate revenue to fund further transportation infrastructure by auctioning off land around metro stations for development.
Currently, the country plans to complete nearly 600 kilometers of metro lines over the next 12 years, with 400 kilometers in Hanoi and 200 kilometers in HCMC.
