An expert makes a speech at a workshop on solutions for implementing transit-oriented development (TOD) on Tuesday in HCM City. — VNS Photo Thu Ngân

HCM CITY — Transit-oriented development (TOD), an urban development method combined with public transit, will be an important foundation for the cohesion between traffic planning and urban planning in order to build a modern infrastructure system, according to a recent workshop on solutions for implementing transit-oriented development (TOD) in HCM City.

The workshop, jointly organised by the British Consulate-General in HCM City in partnership with the city's People's Committee, forms part of the UK Government's Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP) and its initiative to support Việt Nam in attaining green and sustainable development.

This event underscores the UK's ongoing commitment to aiding Việt Nam in forging a sustainable public transportation network, advocating for the advancement of smart cities, and hastening the economy's transition to Net Zero emissions. 

Nearly 100 participants from the People's Committee, relevant city departments, the Hà Nội Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB), the HCM City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR), transport departments in Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng, and Cần Thơ, as well as representatives from research institutes, universities and businesses in the infrastructure and real estate sectors, took part in the workshop.

Experts at the event emphasised that TOD will be a crucial strategy for HCM City to manage rapid urbanisation, alleviate traffic congestion, enhance air quality, optimise land utilisation, generate revenue for public transport enhancements, improve urban living conditions, and stimulate economic growth.

Bùi Xuân Cường, deputy chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said that under Resolution No 188, HCM City aims to develop a total of 355km of rails [including Metro Line 1] by 2035. As per the city’s master plan extending to 2040 and beyond to 2060, HCM City has identified numerous locations for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). At the close of 2024, the city announced plans to establish 11 TOD areas along the metro line and Ring Road No. 3, he informed.

He emphasised that the development of TOD infrastructure will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also ensure the sustainable growth of HCM City, contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress of the country.

UK experts shared valuable experiences and practical recommendations for building a strategic vision for HCM City’s urban development under the TOD model. This will be a solid foundation for Việt Nam to continue to build modern, livable and sustainable urban areas.

Sharing lessons learned from other cities, an expert highlighted that TOD should be executed in distinct stages of planning, design, construction investment, and operation. 

Establishing a legal framework and fostering cooperation between the Government and private sector stand out as essential prerequisites. Setting up a dedicated TOD agency or office to engage with community feedback is also crucial for sustainable TOD development, he said.

British Consul General in HCM City Alexandra Smith expressed: “The UK’s support in the transport sector and the building of the TOD platform will contribute to building the city's modern and sustainable urban rail system. The UK has been leading in technology and innovation in urban development, including TOD, which helps cities optimise their public transport networks and reduce congestion.”

“The development and implementation of TOD will play a critical role in improving the quality of HCM City’s public transport infrastructure and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.”

Through the UK Government’s GCIP, UK experts will work with HCM City People’s Committee and MAUR to apply TOD principles to the city’s urban planning, build financial mechanisms through land value capture (LVC), as well as propose solutions to start TOD as soon as possible.

TOD is an urban development method combined with public transit, encouraging high-density urban development through the use of land around transport hubs to promote public transport, and reduce dependence on personal vehicles. — VNS