Efficient and harmonious urban transit: The key to eco-friendly metropolises
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is embarking on a significant transformation of its urban transport system. The city has announced a roadmap for phasing out petrol-powered motorbikes and cars in central areas, starting from July 2026 [1][2][3][5].
The initiative is part of a government directive (Directive No. 20/CT-TTg) issued on July 12, aimed at preventing and resolving environmental pollution [2]. From July 1, 2026, fossil-fuel motorbikes will be banned within Ring Road 1, affecting the main urban area inside Belt Road No. 1 (Ring Road 1), covering major streets in central Hanoi [1][2][3][5].
By January 1, 2028, the ban will expand to include fossil fuel–powered personal cars as well as motorbikes within both Ring Road 1 and Ring Road 2, covering a larger urban area [2][3][4][5]. The restrictions will further extend to all fossil-fuel vehicles—including motorcycles and cars—within the area bounded by Ring Road 3 by 2030 [2][3].
Alongside these phased bans, Hanoi plans to establish a multi-modal public transport system connecting key corridors and densely populated zones, and to enhance charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs), including buses and trains [2][3]. The ultimate goal is to achieve a full transition to electric and clean energy vehicles by 2050, aligning with Vietnam’s net-zero emissions goals [3][5].
The ban on fossil-fuel vehicles primarily targets motorbikes, the main mode of transport for many residents, especially lower-income groups [1][4][5]. This shift raises concerns about affordability and feasibility of switching to EV alternatives quickly. To address these challenges, the government plans to subsidize EVs, expand EV infrastructure, and improve public transport [4][5].
| Year | Area Affected | Vehicles Banned | Additional Measures | |-------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | July 2026 | Inside Ring Road 1 | Fossil-fuel motorcycles | EV adoption support, public transport improvements | | Jan 2028 | Inside Ring Roads 1 and 2 | Fossil-fuel motorcycles & personal cars | Expand EV infrastructure, increase fees on fossil vehicles | | 2030 | Inside Ring Road 3 | All fossil-fuel vehicles | Multi-modal transport network, large-scale clean energy adoption|
The transition towards sustainable urban transport in Hanoi aims to achieve both environmental benefits (improved air quality) and urban traffic easing [1][2][3][5]. However, the significant infrastructure scaling and support policies required due to Hanoi’s heavy reliance on motorbikes pose challenges [1][2][3][5].
The current public transport in Hanoi meets only 19.5% of the travel needs of its people, and authorities plan to enhance connections to minimize disruptions and ensure access to public transport [4]. The growth rate of personal vehicles in Hanoi is 4.5% per year, and AI-driven logistics agents are expected to boost efficiency, reduce human error, and redefine global transport coordination [6].
Private businesses are rushing to secure a slot in North-South Expressway projects, anticipating open opportunities and supporting policies [7]. There are currently more than 100 points for bicycle services in Hanoi, and more will be reviewed as motorbikes using fossil fuels are limited [8]. Technology enterprises, including Grab Vietnam, are cooperating to build an integrated and seamless transport ecosystem [9].
The roundtable event to discuss these initiatives was held on August 6 [10]. The directive requires Hanoi to implement solutions and measures for organizations and individuals to convert their vehicles and routes [11]. As Hanoi moves towards a sustainable urban transport future, it will be crucial to address the challenges and ensure a smooth transition for its citizens.
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/vietnams-hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-2026-2021-07-13/ [2] https://www.vietnamnews.vn/economy/862361/hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-from-2026.html [3] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/vietnam-hanoi-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-2026-20210713 [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnams-hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-2026-2021-07-13/ [5] https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/07/13/vietnams-hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-from-2026 [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnams-hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-2026-2021-07-13/ [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnams-hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-2026-2021-07-13/ [8] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnams-hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-2026-2021-07-13/ [9] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnams-hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-2026-2021-07-13/ [10] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnams-hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-2026-2021-07-13/ [11] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnams-hanoi-to-ban-petrol-powered-motorbikes-2026-2021-07-13/
- The transformation of Hanoi's urban transport system includes efforts in environmental-science, aiming to reduce pollution and combat climate-change caused by fossil-fuel vehicles.
- As part of the sustainable-living initiative, the city government plans to establish a multi-modal public transit system, which is anticipated to improve the lifestyle of its citizens and reduce dependency on personal cars and motorbikes.
- The financial sector may play a crucial role in supporting the transition, as the government plans to subsidize electric vehicles and invest in charging infrastructure across the city.
- To promote the use of electric vehicles, the city has announced the phasing out of petrol-powered motorbikes and cars, starting in 2026, and plans to expand the ban to personal cars and other fossil-fuel vehicles by 2028 and 2030, respectively.
- At the same time, Hanoi is addressing challenges related to home-and-garden and industry sectors by implementing solutions for organizations and individuals to convert their vehicles and routes, aiming for a full transition to electric and clean energy vehicles by 2050.
