With crippling traffic becoming the norm in Saigon, local authorities are seeking ways to address the problem, from trimming sidewalks to banning motorbikes. While these controversial tactics are hotly debated in the public sphere, officials are considering the creation of an intelligent transport system.
The US$300 million scheme calls for the creation of a system that would reduce congestion, accidents and pollution among the city’s 8.5 million motorbikes and rapidly increasing number cars by 2020, reports Thanh Nien, citing the Saigon Times.
Technology would be the crux of the system, allowing the city to better manage traffic and more effectively communicate with drivers. To make sure things are up to snuff, the Department of Transport said it would work with local scientists, IT firms and other experts to put the intelligent transport system into place.
Though the information provided was light on details, according to the US Department of Transportation, such a system could include car navigation, traffic signal control systems, container management systems, variable message signs, automatic number plate recognition, CCTV systems, parking guidance and information systems, and weather information.
Funding may come from official development assistance loans and private investment, according to the Department of Transport.
Though not specifically referred to by officials, the system should also help to put a dent in the US$820 million - US$1.2 billion the city loses each year due to clogged roads.
