Public battery-powered cars transport tourists in Hội An City. The first 30 cars were used to carry local residents and tourists moving in the city's inner destinations. — Photo courtesy Hội An Shuttle Bus

HỘI AN — The ancient city of Hội An has launched six bus routes using battery-powered cars as part of the tourism hub's efforts to go green.

Deputy Director of the Hội An Shuttle Bus Company Trần Trung Quảng said the first 30 vehicles will be used to transport commuters and tourists from the city’s inner stops and public parks to destinations in the old quarter instead of gasoline-operated options.

Quảng said the environmentally-friendly vehicles will also serve commuters with ticket prices from VNĐ10,000 for less than 4km trip to VNĐ15,000 for more than 4km journey.

The cars can also be hired for wedding services.

In the first stage, the cars will help connect stops at 14 streets including two top destinations – Cửa Đại Beach and Thanh Hà Pottery Village.

More than 90 cars are expected to be used from late 2019 to 2022.

Bicyle is a favourite vehicle among tourists in Hội An city. VNS Photo Bùi Văn Tuấn

In 2017, Hội An City, a UNESCO-recognised world heritage site, used 50 six and eight-seat battery-driven cars to shuttle between public car parks to the old town and popular beaches of An Bàng and Cửa Đại as a pilot project.

In June, Hội An, in co-operation with the German Development Co-operation Agency (GIZ) and Health Bridge Canada, launched a pilot bicycle sharing system.

The town hosts at least 10,000 vehicles each day, of which motorbikes account for 77 per cent, and congestion often occurs in the afternoon when coaches carrying tourists arrive.

Since 2002, Hội An has earmarked several streets for pedestrian and non-engine vehicles to reduce noise and ensure safety in the old quarter, where many foreign tourists ride bicycles. — VNS