On February 8, the Advisory Council on Implementing Resolution 98 held its sixth meeting to assess the outcomes of the past 18 months and discuss solutions for HCM City to achieve double-digit growth targets. The session was attended by Chairman of HCM City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai and many experts and scientists from the city’s advisory team.
At the conference, Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son suggested that effectively implementing the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) model could serve as a significant resource for HCM City to reach its growth targets. Currently, developing this model remains a challenge for the city.
“The city aims to construct hundreds of kilometers of urban rail in just one decade. Given that it took nearly 20 years to complete Line 1, this goal is quite ambitious,” Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son stated.
Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son provides input at the meeting (Photo: Q.Huy).
Urban planning expert Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son believes that the TOD model can be the solution, helping the city attract resources and generate socio-economic benefits in a short period. However, for TOD to be effective, it requires a supporting ecosystem, particularly connected infrastructure and public transportation systems.
According to Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son, a key prerequisite for the metro system to function efficiently is a comprehensive bus network covering the entire area, connecting various modes of transport from airports and seaports to railways and waterways.
“We have been very determined and meticulous in building hundreds of kilometers of metro lines. However, if we do not develop the TOD model well, the city may have to spend millions of dollars annually to subsidize and maintain these lines. When TOD projects are implemented effectively, economic benefits will quickly materialize,” Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son explained.
He cited Line 1 as an example, which connects the downtown area with potential development zones such as the University of National Vietnam, Suoi Tien Tourist Area, and extends to Bien Hoa. Once the TOD model is fully realized, both ends of Line 1 will attract residents, driving activities and enhancing overall traffic flow.
Additionally, Resolution 98 has created conditions for HCM City to implement projects under the TOD model; however, many other legal regulations need adjustment to fit the situation. These regulations pertain to compensation, land acquisition, auctioning, boundary determination, impact zones, and planning processes…
“If there is no clear legal framework, the city will revert to the situation where every project requires approval, leading to the same 20-year timeline for completing a single metro line,” Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son emphasized.
Line 1 of HCM City’s metro is connecting the downtown area with potential development zones in Thu Duc City (Photo: Nam Anh).
Regarding resources, the expert shared that developing the TOD ecosystem would require billions of dollars for transportation and urban infrastructure. Conversely, the return on investment for this model is high and certain, bringing significant socio-economic benefits.
Therefore, the central government should create conditions and provide financial support for HCM City to simultaneously develop multiple metro lines and implement the TOD model. The city’s task is to clearly outline the payback scenario, the time frame for contributing to local and national economies, and find ways to attract additional social investments.
In terms of human resources, HCM City needs to identify strategic investors and operational staff capable of managing multiple metro lines according to the urban rail development plan. Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son proposed that HCM City could form a TOD corporation based on a group of financially strong investors, pooling resources, research, and management to ensure efficient system operation.
“While preparing to invest in dozens of metro lines, HCM City must also consider the preparation of human resources for the operation and maintenance of the system. Training should start now,” Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son advised.
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