Ho Chi Minh City establishes task force for transit-oriented urban development

Ho Chi Minh City has formed a dedicated task force to spearhead the development of urban areas centered around public transportation, known as transit-oriented development (TOD). This initiative aims to create a unified approach to planning, implementing mechanisms, and establishing policies for TOD, ensuring seamless integration with the city's growing public transport network.

The newly formed task force, comprising 11 members from various city departments including Planning and Architecture, Construction, and Finance, will be led by Huynh Pham Tuan Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Architecture. Their mandate includes advising the city People's Committee on TOD implementation, reviewing and proposing adjustments to existing plans, and aligning with resolutions on TOD development.

This strategic push for TOD is closely linked to the city's ambitious public transport expansion plans. Ho Chi Minh City aims to complete eight metro lines, totaling approximately 255 kilometers, by 2030, with an additional seven lines or segments planned by 2035. Experts like architect Ngo Viet Nam Son advocate for developing TOD corridors along these metro lines, envisioning "15-minute cities" where residents can access essential amenities within a short commute, thereby enhancing the efficiency of public transport usage.

The city also plans to explore international cooperation in this field and optimize land use around TOD zones. By integrating TOD principles into the city's overall planning, Ho Chi Minh City seeks to create more sustainable, accessible, and efficient urban environments, leveraging its expanding metro system to foster community development and improve residents' quality of life.