Similar to other developing countries, Vietnam has been experiencing rapid urbanization over the past few decades. This surge in urbanization has led cities to face numerous issues, such as resource scarcity, insufficient infrastructure, energy shortages, and health concerns. Since all human activities are intricately linked to transportation systems, these systems act as key components of sustainable development. Smart transportation is seen as a mechanism to improve safety, mitigate congestion, reduce transportation costs, and preserve the environment. The development of smart transportation is gaining popularity worldwide, including in Vietnam. Using a Rough set-based ranking and association rules approach, the most impactful factors affecting smart transportation development have been identified. The results from this study offer valuable lessons for cities aiming to implement smart transportation by highlighting crucial insights into the factors affecting the development process of smart transportation. It also examines the complex relationship between the successful deployment of smart transportation and a multitude of attributes, including infrastructure systems, policies, and actors.