Tay Son Street in Dong Da Ward, the stretch over Thai Ha Bridge, which used to jam up in both directions during rush hour, is now moving more smoothly.
Nga Tu So at 8 a.m., clear of traffic. Congestion now mainly appears around 7 a.m. but clears quickly.
On Do Muoi Street heading out toward Giai Phong at 7:30 a.m. one day in early April, the peak of the morning commute and school run, there is no sign of gridlock.
Truong Chinh Street at its intersection with Nga Tu Vong (Ring Road 2) at 3:20 p.m. one April day, with backups confined to the area waiting at the red light.
Lang Street at 8:10 a.m. one morning in April. Vehicles still cluster at intersections but no longer back up as far as they used to.
On Nguyen Xien Street in Thanh Xuan Ward, congestion still builds at rush hour.
Even so, Bui Minh Hai, who travels the route regularly, said the commute has become more comfortable. Jams used to stretch beyond an hour in the morning, he said, and with the road less clogged, far fewer drivers are mounting the sidewalk to get around the backup.
Hanoi still permits vehicles serving public postal operations and price-stabilization deliveries to run during peak hours.
Individuals and businesses wanting to operate vehicles within the restricted zone must file an application with the Traffic Police Division of the city police for review.
