Hanoi is consulting with people on a draft decision on the management of motorbikes and rudimentary vehicles to provide passenger and cargo transport services in the city.

The draft document says the drivers of the vehicles carrying passengers and cargo have to register their service at people’s committees of wards, communes and towns and get stamps from agencies on their transport practice cards. The cards are printed by organizations and individuals on a form.

People’s committees of wards, communes and towns have the duty to arrange the locations for picking up and seeing off passengers for motorbike taxi drivers, and locations for loading and unloading cargo.

Hanoi authorities have encouraged individuals who want passenger and cargo transport services with motorbikes and rudimentary vehicles to join social organizations to support each other during their operation.

The draft document says that motorbike tax drivers have to bring several kinds of papers, including vehicle registration certificates; driving licenses; valid motor vehicle owner's civil liability insurance certificate; identity cards and transportation practice card.

In late 2019, the Hanoi Transport Department drafted a regulation on managing and using motorbikes and rudimentary vehicles and similar vehicles for carrying passengers and cargo.

The proposal also raised controversy, and was criticized by motorbike taxi drivers.

Nguyen Van Binh from Cau Giay district said works as a motorbike taxi driver in Hanoi and it is difficult to apply for a practice card from the ward where he is residing.

“Most motorbike taxi drivers are migrants who have to live far from home to earn their living, and there is no need to put more difficulties for us,” he complained.

Phan Le Binh, chief representative of OCG in Vietnam, said he does not understand why motorbike taxi drivers have to have practice cards.

“I still cannot think of any reasons why motorbike taxi drivers have to have practice card. It seems to be an administrative barrier rather than a solution to improve the traffic situation,” he commented.

Explaining the proposal, Nguyen Tuyen from the Hanoi Transport Department said the requirement on practice cards aims to ensure urban traffic order and security, and ensure safety for passengers.

“Once motorbike taxi drivers have practice card for identification, local authorities will give them priority in arranging locations for picking up passengers and loading goods.

Tuyen said that many drivers go over the speed limit, causing traffic safety risks, so it is necessary to strictly control motorbike drivers.

Vu Diep