This is one of the proposals presented during the report on green transportation solutions for Con Dao and Can Gio (former), and the vehicle emission control plan for Ho Chi Minh City.

Specifically, representatives from the Joint Venture for Sustainable Urban Development and the Institute of Energy Science and Environmental Technology (consulting unit) proposed establishing a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in central Ho Chi Minh City along with an implementation roadmap.

According to the proposal, by 2025, all new buses must be electric or green energy-powered.

Notably, from January 1, 2026, non-compliant ride-hailing and commercial vehicles will face restrictions in the LEZ. After the low-emission zone is established in the city center, non-compliant vehicles failing to meet Euro 4 emission standards and service motorcycles below Euro 2 will be restricted in this area.

Restricting gasoline vehicles - Image 2.

Then, from January 1, 2027, mandatory emission testing for motorcycles will begin, with further restrictions on non-compliant motorcycles entering the LEZ.

By the end of 2028, 100% of ride-hailing motorcycles must transition to electric.

The next phase, starting December 2029, will see a complete ban on gasoline-powered motorcycles in ride-hailing services. By 2030, all buses must be electric or green energy-powered, and LEZ restrictions will apply to all personal vehicles in the central area.

From January 1, 2032, all motorcycles in Ho Chi Minh City must meet at least Euro 2 emission standards. After 2032, the LEZ will expand beyond Beltway 1.

The phased implementation from 2026 to 2032 will begin with easily manageable vehicle groups like trucks and commercial vehicles to raise public awareness and build trust.

In parallel, Ho Chi Minh City will develop alternative transportation options, launching 72 new bus routes and investing in 1,108 new electric buses (2025-2030). A minimum of 8,000 public bicycles will be available in the city center. In low-emission zones, walking and bus usage will be encouraged to reduce subsidy burdens.

For charging infrastructure, 750–1,338 public charging stations will be built by 2030, with private investment incentivized through strong policies (land rent waivers, financial support).

Alongside the vehicle emission control plan, the consulting unit proposed green transportation solutions for Can Gio and Con Dao. Financial support policies include a 100% registration fee waiver for electric commercial vehicles and a 50% road maintenance fee reduction for electric cars.

Con Dao

Con Dao is an archipelago in southern Vietnam, known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and rich history. Once a notorious prison island during French colonial rule and later the Vietnam War, it housed political prisoners in harsh conditions. Today, it is a national park and historical site, attracting visitors for its tragic past, lush landscapes, and marine biodiversity.

Can Gio

Can Gio, located southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve known for its lush mangrove forests and diverse wildlife. Historically, it served as a defensive stronghold during the Vietnam War and was heavily reforested after suffering extensive damage. Today, it is a popular ecotourism destination, offering activities like bird-watching, boat tours, and visits to the Can Gio Monkey Island.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a vibrant economic and cultural hub. It served as the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War and was renamed after the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1976, honoring revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Today, the city blends French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers, reflecting its rich history and rapid development.

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

The **Low Emission Zone (LEZ)** is an area in a city where access is restricted for highly polluting vehicles to improve air quality and reduce emissions. First introduced in cities like London (2008) and later adopted globally, LEZs typically charge or ban older, more polluting vehicles. These zones aim to promote cleaner transportation and protect public health by meeting environmental targets.

Institute of Energy Science and Environmental Technology

The Institute of Energy Science and Environmental Technology is a research institution focused on advancing sustainable energy solutions and environmental protection. While specific historical details may vary by location, such institutes typically emerge in response to global energy challenges, promoting innovation in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and pollution control. They often collaborate with governments, industries, and academia to develop technologies that address climate change and resource sustainability.

Joint Venture for Sustainable Urban Development

The *Joint Venture for Sustainable Urban Development* is a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting eco-friendly and resilient urban planning. Typically involving partnerships between governments, private sectors, and NGOs, it focuses on integrating green technologies, efficient infrastructure, and community engagement to address urbanization challenges. While not a single historical site, such ventures have gained prominence since the early 2000s as cities worldwide seek sustainable solutions to climate change and rapid growth.

Beltway 1

Beltway 1, also known as the Capital Beltway, is a 64-mile (103 km) interstate highway encircling Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland and Virginia. Completed in 1964, it serves as a vital transportation route for the D.C. metropolitan area, reducing traffic congestion and connecting key suburbs. The term „Inside the Beltway“ has also become a cultural phrase referring to the political and social dynamics of the U.S. federal government.

Euro 4 emission standards

The **Euro 4 emission standards** were introduced by the European Union in 2005 to regulate vehicle exhaust emissions, setting stricter limits on pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter compared to previous standards. These regulations aimed to reduce air pollution and improve public health by encouraging cleaner engine technologies and the adoption of catalytic converters in gasoline and diesel vehicles. Euro 4 marked a significant step in the EU’s efforts to combat environmental damage from transportation.