In Hanoi, a pioneer in green energy, buses powered by clean energy first appeared on the streets in 2021.
Pham Dinh Tien of the Hanoi Traffic Management and Operation Center said, “The Department of Transport has outlined plans to convert diesel-powered buses that pollute the environment to electric or green energy vehicles. Eventually, all vehicles will use clean, green energy or electricity.”
Hanoi currently operates 370 large, medium, or small green energy buses, 19.7% of its total bus fleet of 2,000. The new buses are popular with commuters.
Ninh Van Khanh, a resident of O Cho Dua ward, Dong Da district, travels frequently by bus.
"I’ve been riding the electric buses because they’re clean and have modern interiors. The staffers are nice to passengers. Prior to every stop, there’s an announcement and a clear electronic display," Khanh told VOV.
According to Thai Ho Phuong, the Center’s Director, public transportation using clean, green energy is an inevitable trend worldwide. Hanoi is expanding its system of green energy buses throughout the city.
"Hanoi is the first locality to have all three sizes of electric buses: small, medium, and large. We’ll work closely with consulting companies to develop pricing standards for small and medium buses, providing a basis for expanding small and medium public transport vehicles in the city, thereby promoting the ‘greening’ of the bus system," said Phuong.
Experts say using electric buses will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The transition to electric vehicles could reduce CO2 emissions by 170,480 tons per year.
In addition to environmental benefits, electric buses also have many economic advantages. Electricity costs are significantly lower than diesel fuel, and operational efficiency is higher. Electric buses have longer lifespans, and maintenance and repair costs are usually much lower than traditional diesel engine and transmission vehicles. Electric buses provide a quieter, more comfortable passenger experience.
Nguyen Hoang Hai, Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi Public Passenger Transport Association, said he believes this transition aligns with trends and the city’s public transport development policies.
“This is the first time we’ve used a smart ticketing system convenient for users and managers. It’s a modern system connected to the control center of the municipal Department of Transport," said Hai.
Electric buses have a tilting mechanism that provides easy entry and exit for people in wheelchairs. They also equipped with amenities like free WiFi, USB charging sockets, security cameras, dashcams, and safety warning systems.
The replacement of traditional buses with electric buses is a new milestone in building a green, sustainable city. It encourages people to change their travel habits, easing traffic congestion and pollution.
Last Wednesday the Hanoi People's Committee promulgated a public transportation plan under which Hanoi will complete its transition from diesel buses to electric and green energy buses by 2030.