Vientiane, Lao PDR
Expanding Public Transport to Cut Congestion
25K tons OF CO₂ emissions REDUCED annually toward 2025
Inhabitants 820,000 GDP per capita $4,784 Geographic area 130 km²
THE CHALLENGE Vientiane has experienced record growth resulting in increased traffic congestion and the need to tackle its unsustainable transportation system through various transportation solutions, including the creation of a BRT system.
Co-benefits
Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is tackling traffic congestion in its city center with the creation of a BRT system and other transportation solutions to shift transport demand away from private vehicles. Vientiane is the fastest-growing city in the Lao PDR. The recent growth has increased the number of private vehicles, which has resulted in traffic congestion, rising incidence of road accidents, and deteriorating air quality. The number of private vehicles has risen 17% on average annually from 2000-2009, and has increased at a growth rate of more than 10% since then. To tackle this, by 2022, the city plans to construct 12.9 km of new dedicated bus lanes and 28 enclosed stations, utilizing 45 modern BRT buses. The BRT buses will be battery electric-powered and will serve the existing 84 km network that covers the city. The project will also introduce traffic control measures, an official on-street paid parking system, and improved pedestrian facilities with universal accessibility measures. ADB provided financing of approximately $35 million and technical assistance for the project.
Low-carbon public transport in Vientiane. The new BRT system will help shift transport demand away from private vehicles (photo by ITDP-China image from concept design).
Health The city believes the BRT can contribute to improved health conditions for the 820,000 residents through cleaner air quality and safer roads. Social The city believes the new transport solutions will improve conditions for vulnerable residents through safer transport options providing better job prospects.
URBAN TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY 43
