HCM City Transport Department launched a fleet of 70 electric cars on Friday to transport tourists around the city centre.
The pilot project will be carried out by Saigon Public Transport Co., Ltd.
Under the first phase of the project which will last until the end of 2025, the eight-seat vehicles will transport visitors around districts 1, 4, 5, and 6 with tickets ranging between VND120,000-250,000 for a 30-minute trip. Operating hours are from 6 am to midnight daily.
Pick-up and drop-off locations will be agreed upon with tourist accommodation establishments and tourist attractions. The area for vehicles serving tourism will be at 23/9 Park in District 1.
Tourists can book the electric car service via a mobile app or directly with staff.
According to the operating company, drivers of these electric vehicles will wear traditional Ao Ba Ba uniforms and are trained in communication skills and basic knowledge to engage with tourists.
The operation area is designated along two specific routes within the city central area boundaries, with the first route running along Nha Rong Wharf, Khanh Hoi Bridge, Ton Duc Thang Street, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Hoang Sa, Hai Ba Trung, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Nguyen Van Cu, Vo Van Kiet, Calmette Bridge, Doan Van Bo, Hoang Dieu, Nguyen Tat Thanh and back to Nha Rong Wharf in districts 1 and 4.
The second route will run through streets including Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hung Vuong, Hong Bang, Nguyen Thi Nho, Le Quang Sung, Pham Dinh Ho, Thap Muoi, Hai Thuong Lan Ong and Vo Van Kiet in district 5 and 6.
Speaking at the launching event, deputy director of the HCM City Transport Department, Vo Khanh Hung, said that the use of electric cars for sightseeing tours was introduced following the city government's plan for green transportation.
“I hope that the service will properly serve tourists and help better develop public transportation in the city," he said.
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