Rapid urbanization, air pollution and climate change are among the most pressing challenges countries face globally. Developing sustainable mobility systems around robust public transport networks is regarded as one of the most efficient, equitable and affordable strategies cities like Hanoi can pursue towards overcoming these challenges. Bus based systems are the predominant mode of public transport in both developed and developing economies due to their relative ease of implementation and scale-up, lower financing needs and wider service coverage as compared to other systems. However, bus service levels in Viet Nam fall short of the quantity and quality needed to attract users away from personal modes of travel. Buses in Viet Nam are using International Combustion Engine (ICE) based drivetrain technologies like diesel and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) systems. The emissions from these buses have significant environmental and public health impacts due to air-pollution caused by soot, Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and climate change implications of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2) and Black Carbon (BC). Therefore, in addition to improving bus services, cities also need to transition to clean vehicle technology alternatives like electric buses to ensure the overall transition to a clean mobility system.

The World Bank is looking for qualified Consultancy Firm to undertake the activities listed in the ‘Scope of Work’ section with the following objectives: i) Assess and address key barriers to e-bus adoption in Ha Noi; ii)Develop a techno-commercial feasibility assessment for e-bus deployment; and iii)  Formulate a financial and risk mitigation strategy for shortlisted technologies & business models.

Robust, bus-based public transport networks offer an effective, equitable, and affordable solution to combat issues of escalating air pollution in cities such as Ha Noi. However, with bus service levels in Viet Nam lagging behind in both quality and capacity, there is an urgent need to improve public transit and reduce emissions. Most buses in Viet Nam rely on traditional engines like diesel and CNG.

The World Bank seeks a qualified consultancy firm to support Ha Noi in transitioning to cleaner, electric bus alternatives. The selected firm will assess barriers to e-bus adoption, simulate daily operations, conduct a techno-commercial feasibility study, and develop a financial and risk mitigation strategy for selected technologies and business models. This eight-month assignment, valued at $200,000 USD, will involve stakeholder engagement and detailed planning. Firms interested in this impactful project are invited to propose a work plan, including timelines and expert allocation, to help drive Ha Noi towards a cleaner, greener public transport system.