The Smart Transportation System: Revolutionizing the Urban Rail Experience

Hanoi has recently inaugurated two urban railway lines: the Cat Linh – Ha Dong Line 2A and the recently opened Nhon – Hanoi Station Line 3, the latter being an elevated section. How will the smart transportation system assist users of the urban railway to enhance convenience and efficiency in urban railway transportation?

On this matter, VOV Transport journalist had a conversation with Prof. Dr. Le Hung Lan, former Director of the Institute of Technology Application (Ministry of Science and Technology).

Journalist: With Hanoi’s new urban railway line in operation, how do you assess the urban railway’s ability to meet the needs of commuters?

Prof. Dr. Le Hung Lan: When we compare the current state of Hanoi’s urban railway system with the needs of its residents, the shortcomings become apparent. Commuters’ needs can be summarized in two factors: first, ensuring mobility, which means the transportation system must get people to their desired destinations; second, satisfying travel quality: safety, comfort, speed, and economy.

Examining Hanoi’s urban railway system reveals evident weaknesses, such as a limited number of lines, short lengths, and illogical routes, resulting in inadequate fulfillment of commuters’ travel objectives. The quality of the journey is confined within the train schedules.

Journalist: In your opinion, what should the urban railway system do to attract more passengers?

Prof. Dr. Le Hung Lan: In addition to extending the length, increasing the number of kilometers and lines, and diversifying the types of urban railways, attention should be given to the following solutions: planning logical routes and strategically positioning the stations in areas with high population density, government offices, schools, entertainment spots, shopping centers, train stations, bus terminals, and airports.

Secondly, integrating other transportation modes such as buses, public bicycles, and taxis with the urban railway network is crucial. This integration becomes especially important considering that Hanoi’s urban railway system is still limited and may not directly take commuters to their desired destinations.

Thirdly, enhancing transportation information dissemination to the public is essential. This enables commuters to effectively search for and select the most convenient travel routes.

Journalist: With these requirements, how can the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) benefit urban railway users?

Prof. Dr. Le Hung Lan: The Intelligent Transportation System not only enhances the efficiency of the urban railway but also optimizes the entire city’s transportation system. There are three direct subsystems related to the urban railway: Transportation Information Provision, Public Transportation Management, and Electronic Ticket Payment Management. The Transportation Information Provision subsystem delivers real-time, essential information to commuters about travel routes and provides guidance on finding the most suitable and optimized path.

We can utilize city transportation maps and electronic information boards at stations and on vehicles. This enables commuters to find and select the most suitable urban railway line, train schedule, and departure time. Additionally, passengers can obtain information about other transportation modes, such as buses, taxis, and rental bicycles, that can facilitate their journey and help them reach their final destination.

The Public Transportation Management subsystem enables management and operation entities to coordinate and connect various transportation means, reducing waiting times and enhancing convenience and cost-effectiveness for passengers.

The Electronic Ticket Payment Management subsystem allows commuters to make electronic payments for any public transportation mode (such as buses or trains) using their smartphones, eliminating the need for cash and providing a faster and more convenient experience.

Journalist: Thank you for your insights!