Final Report - Asian Development Bank

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Rail System Project Final Report - Revised
Management Authority for Urban Railways Chapter 3 – Transport Master Plan & Forecasts
40. Extensive analysis was undertaken of various master plan improvement options using the
transport forecasting models, and details of these tests and results are provided in the relevant
Technical Paper. The alignment and engineering feasibility of the options was also reviewed in
determining the preferred solutions. The indicative estimated changes and benefits of the proposed
modifications to the master plan are summarized in Table 3.2-1 below. As can be seen, the
improvements require an increase in MRT network of 11%, but increase in investment of only 8%, and
yet a revenue increase of 16%.
41. At the time of writing this report, it is understood that the above recommendations are agreed
by TUPWS, but not as yet incorporated in the official government master plan.
Table 3.2-1 Summary Comparison of Reference Case and the Possible Future Network
3.3 Policy Measures and other Requirements
42. As noted, the vision of the HCMC transport plan for 2025 is to have 40-50% of all trips using
public transport, with the MRT network providing the backbone of the future transport network. Today
only around 5% of travel is by public transport, and this targeted shift in travel behaviour is a massive
undertaking for the city, which will require many measures in addition to construction of MRT lines.
Some of the key requirements are noted below.
3.3.1 Bus System Development
43. Even with the full MRT network in place, the target PT usage at 2025 implies over 9 million
daily trips by bus (many of these would be on routes feeding the MRT). This compares with under 1
million today. Thus there is need for massive expansion of the bus system, including network
coverage, fleets, operators, terminals, depots, etc. Furthermore, it is essential that prior to introduction
of MRT, people are in the habit of using public transport, and experience shows that most of the early
year patronage will be people switching to MRT from bus rather than from private vehicles.
44. Apart from building the MRT lines, development of the bus system and usage may be the
biggest challenge for the city. In addition to the physical capacity and fleet requirements, measures
needed will include:
Improved franchising and tendering procedures
Integrated or common ticketing systems to encourage usage
Introduction of busways and bus priority measures
Public awareness, advertising, etc
Severe restrictions on private vehicle usage (see below)
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