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| Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Permanent Vice Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee, experienced the Grab Cyclo service. Photo: Hue City People's Committee |
An old service with a new twist
The pilot phase, which runs from August 4 to October 31, 2025, involves 30 cyclo drivers operating on two main routes, including: the Imperial Citadel - Nguyen Hoang Bus Station route, and the Phu Xuan Bridge - Dong Ba Market route. According to the pilot proposal, the Grab Cyclo service allows passengers to hire a cyclo for a maximum of one person for 60 minutes at a cost of 162,000 VND. An additional 54,000 VND will be charged for every 20 minutes thereafter. Customers can book the service at fixed pickup points via Grab app, selecting a suggested itinerary or arranging their own itinerary directly with the drivers.
Mr. Truong Cong Linh, a driver in the pilot program, shared: “Grab painted and repaired our vehicles, and provided uniforms, headphones, and instructions on how to accept rides on the phones and communicate with customers. With this technology, we are more proactive, our income is stable, and the prices are clearly listed”. He believes the new service has helped drivers save time waiting for customers and ensures steady income.
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| The Grab Cyclo service will help spread the message of a friendly, safe, convenient, and sustainable Hue. Photo: Hue City People's Committee |
Ms. Nguyen Thao (from Ho Chi Minh City) commented: “The cyclo was clean, and the driver was very friendly, telling me stories about the city and its famous landmarks throughout the trip. The service price was clearly displayed. Booking through the app was both convenient and interesting because I can still experience the atmosphere of a Hue cyclo ride.” From a vehicle that is only associated with the image of nostalgia, slowness, and rusticity, cyclo now has more opportunities to reach a new generation of visitors.
According to Hue Institute for Development Studies, on February 28, 2025, the City and Grab Company signed a memorandum of understanding to promote digital transformation in transportation for traditional cyclos, contributing to the development of green tourism and green transportation. This service project aims to increase the digital skills of cyclo drivers, expand employment opportunities, connect visitors with sightseeing services through a technology platform, and enhance the image, service quality, and improve the unique features of Hue tourism.
Starting with the digital transformation of cyclos
The city chose to begin its tourism digital transformation with cyclos, instead of focusing solely on expensive technology infrastructure. The goal is to preserve a vehicle deeply rooted in daily life, while integrating technology to improve service quality, transparency, and convenience. In Phase 2, after October 31, 2025, the program is expected to expand to 50 drivers, and add 3 new routes connecting heritage sites, wharfs, and commercial areas.
According to the project, Grab Cyclo pickup points are arranged at central locations, such as Hien Nhon Gate, Nguyen Hoang Bus Station, Dong Ba Market, Truong Tien Bridge, and Toa Kham wharf, etc. Each point can accommodate 4 to 10 cyclos, with an area of 5 to 12 square meters, ensuring traffic safety and urban aesthetics. Drivers are required to have a valid ID card or passport, a criminal record, and a photo of the current vehicle. Before operating, drivers must participate in an online training course on Grab Academy, covering service operation, safety, conduct, communication skills, and handling situations. During the pilot phase, Grab will support vehicle maintenance and upgrades to ensure quality service for visitors.
The Grab Cyclo model not only serves the need for transportation, but also creates a transparent and safe operating environment, offering a positive and sustainable experience for the local tourism sector. This is a way to combine technology with heritage to both innovate and preserve cultural identity. If successful, Grab Cyclo will become a model for local digital transformation, potentially expanding to other heritage cities. The city is proving that technology is not just for modern cities, it can be completely blended with the rhythm of life, the landscape, and traditional cultural values, creating a tourism product that is both new and rich in identity.