Vietnamese Tri Nam Group began a pilot program of using public bicycles in Hanoi on Aug. 24. Developing this mode of transport can complement other forms of public transport like MRT and buses. It will be beneficial in improving operational efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions, and diversifying the city’s passenger transport sector.
Do Ba Dan, director of Tri Nam Group, said that during the first phase of the trial, they had built 79 stations across Hanoi, with a total of 1,000 vehicles. These bicycle stations are located near bus stations, parks, and scenic spots, ensuring easy access to the services for people.
When using the vehicle, customers need to download an app, recharge, and use a magnetic card or a mobile phone to scan the QR code on the bicycle for unlocking.
Users can return the bicycle to any station, even if their account balance is insufficient. The rental fee will be deducted during the next top-up. Bicycles are priced at 5,000 VND for 30 minutes, while electric bicycles cost 10,000 VND.
Previously, during the 7 days (August 16-22) when Tri Nam Group tested the service in Hanoi, 16,452 new accounts were created and used 7,454 times, which is equivalent to a journey of 46,894 kilometers.
Ba Dan said, "Compared to travel by private vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, cycling can reduce CO2 emissions by about 2,844 kilograms, equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of 135 trees."
For the project to be carried out effectively, the Hanoi People's Committee has suggested that Tri Nam Group monitors and gathers feedback from users during the 12-month pilot period, aims to improve the project’s quality.
At the same time, the city has appointed the Ministry of Transportation to be responsible for regular monitoring of the implementation, and to make an evaluation report after 12 months, so that the People's Committee can decide on the implementation method.
According to Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, Hanoi is the political, cultural, economic and technological center of Vietnam, and has consistently aimed at sustainable development to improve living standards of its residents.
Over the years, the city has continuously invested in and improved its transportation infrastructure, while promoting the application of technology and clean energy within the transportation sector.
