Construction of the $1.3 billion, 20 kilometer Metro Line 2, is expected to go into full swing this year, starting with an underground maintenance and metro station in District 12. To “improve accessibility of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) 2 line in from Ben Thanh to Tham Luong stations,” the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a fresh $60 million loan.
The project includes:
“…bus stops and feeder links, dedicated taxi stands, park-and-ride facilities for two-wheeled vehicles, and waiting areas for other public transport providers.”
In addition, funds will be used to develop a real-time information system for bus and train arrivals.
Other elements of the plan include promoting the shift from private to public transportation and managing public spaces for vendors while keeping stations accessible.
$10 million of the loan comes directly from the ADB with the remainder given by ADB-administered Clean Technology Fund.
Better access should go a long way in getting Saigonese to leave their motorbikes at home and embrace their new metro system.
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[ADB]