Motorcycle Ride-Hailing Services in Hanoi officially resumed

Motorbike taxi (or “xe om” in Vietnamese) has been stable in Vietnam’s transportation scheme for decades.

Motorbike taxi drivers must be fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus and comply with all current regulations to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 disease.

The Hanoi Department of Transport resumed operation of technology-based motorbike taxis in the capital city from February 8 after a six-month hiatus to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hanoi Times reported.

Apps like GrabBike, GoBike and BeeBike have started to notify users of the move, with a lot of promotions to regain customers.

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According to the transport department, the decision came following the designation of Hanoi as a level-2 zone with medium coronavirus risks in the Covid-19 risk assessment, and the demands of local residents.

The department requires companies to be responsible for monitoring drivers, who must be fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus and comply with all current regulations to prevent the spread of the disease.

Such services were also requested to submit a list of their drivers and vehicles to the transport department for management.

The municipal government put a halt on all technology-based ride-hailing services in late July last year as the fourth wave of infections became serious, but has allowed taxis and ride sharing to resume since mid-October 2021.

Public buses have also been permitted to resume operating at their full capacity since February 8, 2022.

Most businesses and services have resumed in the capital city, except for bars, karaoke and massage parlors, and dance clubs.

Hanoi has been topping the national Covid-19 patient count for around a month, recording around 3,000 cases every day. However, given its high vaccination rate and the capacity of the healthcare system, it has been rated as low coronavirus risk, according to the Hanoi Times.

Motorbike taxi (or “xe om” in Vietnamese) has been stable in Vietnam’s transportation scheme for decades. Traditionally, the motorbike taxi driver has a motorbike and a spot, which is usually in touristy or crowded areas, of their own. They wait for customers all day, and the price depends entirely on them.

Until 2014, before Grab’s arrival, this is still the ultimate choice because, in comparison to public transport, motorbike taxi has an edge on traveling: while public transport can be time-consuming, confusing (especially for foreigners who don’t speak the local language) and crowded, motorbike taxis can take passengers to the exact location in a shorter time.

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Source: Vietnam Insider