Citation

Tuong NTC. World Transp. Policy Pract. 2014; 20(1): 56-69.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Eco-Logica)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

An unsustainable transport system in the cities of Vietnam has resulted from a significant increase in private vehicle use, combined with minimal development of public transport. Transport planning in urban Vietnam is dominated by technical expertise, but with little focus on transport behaviour. In addition, research has not yet provided policymakers with an understanding of the factors influencing individual travel behaviour. This research project applies a transport psychology approach to examine the driving forces behind the dominance of private transport in HCMC, focusing on individual behaviour. A survey was conducted among HCMC citizens to understand their travel choice and their perception of selected modes of transport. The lack of a good public transport service contributes to the dominance of motorbikes in HCMC. Car ownership was valued, even if chronic congestion makes driving impractical in the city. The recent increase in automobile ownership is driven therefore by the perceived affective-symbolic values of the car.