Da Lat approves suspension of electric sightseeing car service over regulatory issues
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 20:21 GMT+7
The administration of Lam Dong Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands on Wednesday approved the suspension of electric tourist vehicles operating in Da Lat City, following a proposal from the provincial Department of Transport.
The electric sightseeing cars, which had been operating on a trial basis, were limited to specific routes within Da Lat, adhering to a maximum speed of 30kph.
However, under the government’s Decree 165, four-wheeled electric vehicles are only permitted to operate on roads with official speed limit signs of 30kph.
Since no roads in this upland city currently meet this requirement, the Department of Transport recommended that the pilot program be halted before Saturday.
The Department of Transport has been tasked with notifying businesses about the suspension and conducting further research on relevant regulations to propose adjustments that align with the local traffic situation.
According to the department, Da Lat City Tour Company and Tinh An Tourism Services Company have been offering the service using around 75 electric vehicles since 2018 and 2024, respectively.
Both companies have voiced their concerns over the suspension.
Nguyen Van Ha, director of Tinh An Tourism Services Company, said that the company had invested heavily in importing vehicles, training drivers, and setting up operations.
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| Around 70 electric sightseeing cars are available to serve tourists in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Photo: M.V / Tuoi Tre |
With the suspension, vehicles will be left idle, increasing maintenance costs and leading to potential job losses, Ha elaborated.
A representative from Da Lat City Tour also urged authorities to revise the decree, specifically proposing an increase in the speed limit from 30kph to 50kph.
The representative noted that most roads in Da Lat have not used 40kph speed limit signs since 2014, except for a few isolated segments.
According to the Department of Transport, electric sightseeing cars are an eco-friendly and popular choice among visitors, contributing positively to the local economy.
In 2024, Da Lat City Tour served 382,000 passengers, generating VND9.8 billion (US$384,400) in revenue, while Tinh An Tourism Services transported 111,000 passengers, earning VND2 billion ($78,400).
Despite these benefits, several challenges remain, including limited parking spaces, inefficient management and oversight, and some drivers failing to adhere to designated routes and operational guidelines.
Dao Thi Lieu, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared her disappointment, “I get motion sickness in confined spaces, so I prefer renting motorbikes or taking electric cars when I visit Da Lat.
“Stopping this service will make transportation more difficult for tourists like me."
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