Ho Chi Minh City to pilot EVs steered by 'ao ba ba'-clad drivers to serve tourists
Thursday, April 04, 2024, 15:46 GMT+7
Ho Chi Minh City-based Saigon Public Transport Co. Ltd. on Wednesday announced plans to launch a fleet of 70 electric vehicles (EVs) with five to 14 seats each to service tourists.
The pilot program will begin on April 12 and last until the end of 2025.
The vehicles will run from 6:00 to 24:00.
Drivers of these vehicles will don ao ba ba, a traditional garment typically worn by the people of southern Vietnam.
They have undergone communication training and been provided with essential knowledge to effectively introduce the city to tourists.
The vehicles were assembled in Vietnam and their batteries meet U.S. standards.
Their engines were imported from Germany, while their electronic control units were produced by Japanese automaker Toyota.
These vehicles are two times more expensive than normal electric vehicles.
In contrast to current vehicles found at tourist sites, these EVs are equipped with doors and seat belts, offering tourists the convenience of cashless payments.
These vehicles will operate in certain areas.
In District 1 and District 4, they will travel across Nha Rong Wharf, Khanh Hoi Bridge, Ton Duc Thang Street, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Hoang Sa Street, Hai Ba Trung Street, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Vo Van Kiet Street, Calmette Bridge, Doan Van Bo Street, Hoang Dieu Street, Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, and Nha Rong Port.
In District 5 and District 6, the vehicles will operate on Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hung Vuong, Hong Bang, Nguyen Thi Nho, Le Quang Sung, Pham Dinh Ho, Thap Muoi, and Hai Thuong Lan Ong Streets.
The municipal administration had earlier approved the pilot program in the four districts.
According to the municipal Department of Transport, the program will help tourists access cultural and historical sites in the city.
After the trial period, Saigon Public Transport Co. Ltd. will coordinate with the municipal police and other relevant authorities to assess its success.
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