Media reporters in Vietnam say prime-minister Nguyen Tan Dung has endorsed the launch of pilot schemes in the six localities to assess the long-term feasibility of the environmentally friendly taxis. Authorities will have six months to report back on whether the new vehicles adequately serve the needs of residents and tourists.
The government has already allowed the launch of electric tramcars in Hanoi, Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh and Nghe An. In Hanoi, tourist trams operate on routes through the old quarter on a circuit from Dinh Tien Hoang Road. The Ministry of Transport says there are currently more than 1,000 tramcars on the streets of Vietnamese cities.
Vietnamese tramcars resemble golf buggies with open sides and seating for up to 10 people. Proponents claim they create less air and noise pollution than petrol or diesel powered vehicles.
Vietnam mulls electric tramcars for more tourism hotspots
News in Asia
The Vietnamese government has given the green light for local authorities in six more locations to launch electric tramcar services. The six places are Hue, Danang, Haiphong, Vung Tau, Lao Cai and Khanh Hoa.