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HCMC Eyes Gas-Free Downtown by 2027
26 Aug
Summary
- Ho Chi Minh City proposes restricting gas and diesel vehicles downtown.
- A low-emission zone pilot begins in mid-2027 in the city's core.
- Buses must use clean energy by 2027, followed by ride-hailing services.
Ho Chi Minh City is planning to gradually restrict gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles from its downtown area, starting with a pilot low-emission zone (LEZ) in mid-2027. This initiative, reported by state-run Thanh Nien newspaper, targets a core downtown area and the Thu Thiem urban zone, encompassing about 930 hectares.
The LEZ timeline has been revised, with implementation now set for mid-2027, a delay from the earlier 2026 proposal. This adjustment allows for better alignment with green transport infrastructure development and provides residents and businesses additional time to adapt.
As part of the plan, buses are mandated to operate on electricity or clean energy within the LEZ beginning in 2027. Following this, motorcycle-taxi drivers and delivery riders will face similar requirements, with other vehicle categories subject to later deadlines.
Following the pilot phase, the LEZ is expected to expand to encompass areas within Ring Road 2 from early 2029. This revised plan is still subject to further review and formal approval before implementation.
