(VOVWORLD) - Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Transport wants toll to be collected from cars entering the traffic-clogged inner districts as a means to reduce gridlock and pollution.
 A large number of vehicles are stuck on National Highway No 1A in HCM City’s Binh Chanh district during peak hours. (Photo: VNA) |
It has submitted a proposal to the municipal People’s Committee to implement the plan by 2025.
36 tollbooths are expected to be set up on streets leading to the city centre.
The toll will only be applicable during peak hours (6am to 9am and 3pm to 9pm) and will not be collected from public buses and vehicles like ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles.
The toll will be 40,000-70,000 VND (1.7-3 USD), depending on the vehicle, and 20,000 VND for taxis.
110,000-150,000 vehicles are estimated to enter the downtown area every day.
Slapping a fee for such entry is expected to reduce the number by 30-40%, easing traffic jams.
The project is part of the city’s master plan to promote public transport.