Vietnam tourist tramcars under study

January 25, 2016 GoAsiaDayTrip 0 Comments

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has agreed in principle to allow pilot-schemes to operate tourist electric tramcars in six locations, countrywide, in addition to four that were approved earlier.

The six localities are Hai Phong, Danang, Lao Cai, Thua Thien-Hue, Khanh Hoa and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

Local media reported that the PM had urged the People’s Committees of the identified provinces and cities to provide feedback on the pilot scheme after six months to allow the national government to make a decision on their long-term use.

According to the Ministry of Transport, Hanoi, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh received the PM’s approval to implement a pilot programme earlier.

Currently, about 30 enterprises are operating 1,086 tramcars in the 10 provinces and cities, but the government wants to obtain a clearer perspective on their long-term value and whether they are meeting tourist demand or serving local residents due to the lack of alternative public transport.

Supporters say the electric trams are more efficient and cause less noise and air pollution.

Last year, the country attracted 7.94 million international tourists, a slight increase of 0.9% over 2014. Major tourism sources were China, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Russia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand and Australia.