Photo: nld.com.vn

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a loan of 124 million USD to improve the performance and efficiency of public transport in a high-priority corridor in Ho Chi Minh City, said the bank on June 1.

“Given HCM City’s pivotal role in the national economy, the project focuses on upgrading a key transport corridor to demonstrate the potential of a sustainable urban transport system,” Arturo Ardila-Gomez, the WB’s project team leader said.

The project will finance the construction of a bus rapid transit corridor connecting An Lac in the southwest and Rach Chiec in the northeast, following the Vo Van Kiet and Mai Chi Tho boulevards, stretching about 23km, with 28 stations.

Once completed, the system will be able to transport up to 28,300 passengers a day.

Its design aims to address the needs of women, children and people with disabilities. Design features include keeping all bus and station doors at the same level, making it easier for passengers to board and exit buses and load strollers and other carriers.

Additionally, the project will fund at least 28 buses running on natural compressed gas, a clean fuel that helps reduce emissions and pollution.

By building up the capacity of the city’s existing institutions to handle urban transport regulation, management and operations, the project will pave the way for the eventual establishment of a unified citywide Public Transport Authority, which will coordinate strategy, services and fares across all public transport modes.

The project has a total cost of 137.45 million USD, including a 124 million USD credit from the International Development Association. The remaining investment will be co-financed by the Vietnamese Government.

Source: VNA