“Paving the way” for green public transport

Resolution No. 16 of the Politburo on building and developing Dong Nai city to 2035, with a vision to 2065, identifies green, smart and modern urban development as a key orientation, with public transport as one of its important pillars.

Electric bus No. 9 has received positive feedback from passengers.

Following this orientation, Dong Nai is gradually transitioning public passenger transport vehicles to clean energy, aiming to reduce emissions and limit the use of private vehicles.

New developments

Resolution No. 16 calls for a new approach to development thinking, municipal planning, with an open spatial structure, a multidimensional transport infrastructure system and a multi-level, polycentric urban structure. It also promotes smart transport and smart, green cities that can adapt to climate change. In particular, public transport is identified as a central component, ensuring synchronized infrastructure connections between urban areas inside and outside the city.

Under the targets set out in the resolution, by 2035, Dong Nai city aims to become an airport city, a riverfront city that is polycentric, multifunctional, green and smart. In this process, developing public passenger transport using clean energy vehicles is considered an appropriate direction, helping reduce emissions and noise while improving service quality.

Implementing Decision No. 876/QD-TTg dated July 22, 2022, of the Prime Minister on the action program for green energy transition and reduction of carbon and methane emissions in the transport sector, Dong Nai is implementing a roadmap to transition public passenger transport vehicles.

Since early 2026, the introduction of electric buses on several routes has created noticeable changes. On July 4, 2026, electric bus route  No. 9 officially began operations, becoming the first inner-city bus route in Dong Nai to use fully electric vehicles. The 57.5-kilometer route connects Bien Hoa Bus Station in Tran Bien Ward with Doc Mo 3 in Thong Nhat Commune and vice versa. The buses are equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, an automated stop announcement system and automatic ticketing. After more than one month of operation, the route has received positive feedback from passengers.

From July 12, 2026, electric buses were also introduced on two routes: route 603 connecting Nhon Trach Industrial Park with Mien Dong Bus Station, and route 605 connecting Bien Hoa Bus Station with the National University Bus Station, completely replacing diesel-powered vehicles. Phuong Trang Passenger Transport Joint Stock Company - FUTA Bus Lines invested in 13 electric buses, including 10 for route 603 and three for route 605. Previously, in March 2026, route 607 had also switched to electric buses, using 10 vehicles equipped with 17 seats and standing room for 13 passengers.

According to Trinh Hoai Vinh, Deputy Director in charge of Bien Hoa Bus Station, passengers have responded quite positively to electric buses. The vehicles run smoothly and quietly, produce little noise, have no fuel odor, and provide a clean environment with various amenities.

Alongside Phuong Trang Passenger Transport Joint Stock Company - FUTA Bus Lines, Hai Thanh Dat One Member Company Limited is also taking the lead in vehicle conversion. Several other transport enterprises are also developing plans to invest in electric vehicles.

Implementing the transition to green energy in the transport sector, Bien Hoa Bus Station is creating favorable conditions for businesses to introduce electric vehicles into operation. In the coming period, the station will continue coordinating infrastructure investment and upgrades, prioritizing locations and installing charging stations to ensure safe and efficient operation of electric vehicles.

TRINH HOAI VINH, Deputy Director in charge of Bien Hoa Bus Station

Towards green transport

Alongside the development of electric vehicles, Dong Nai is also paying attention to investing in the infrastructure for electric vehicles. Tong Thanh Hai, General Director of Dong Nai Bus Station and Transport Services Joint Stock Company, said the company is developing plans to invest in electrical infrastructure and prepare to install charging stations at bus stations to serve buses, coaches and other electric vehicles.

“Green transition is becoming an inevitable trend. Putting electric vehicles into operation helps reduce emissions while also helping stabilize transport costs amid fluctuations in fuel prices”, Hai said.

Many residents are choosing electric bus route No. 9 for their travel.

According to the Department of Construction, the department has reviewed and advised the Dong Nai city government to approve a bus network comprising 30 intra-provincial routes and 22 inter-provincial routes. It has also proposed five bus routes connecting to Long Thanh International Airport to meet travel demand once the airport begins operations.

As part of the efforts to implement green transition, the Department of Construction has coordinated with relevant agencies to replace diesel-powered vehicles with electric buses on routes 607, 9, 603 and 605. At the same time, under the special 500-day-and-night emulation campaign pursuant to Resolution No. 05-NQ/TU of the Dong Nai City Party Executive Board, the department is completing procedures to put approximately 70 additional electric buses into operation, expected by late 2026 or early 2027.

The transition to electric vehicles, combined with network expansion and investment in charging infrastructure, represents important steps toward establishing a green, modern and safe public transport system in Dong Nai, contributing to realizing the city’s goal of developing a green urban environment.

By An Nhon - Translated by Diec Quyen, Thu Ha