These tasks will be completed before the city’s residents are granted free bus tickets starting July 1.
First, the Centre is coordinating with transport companies to negotiate and agree on operational organisation, data provision responsibilities, service quality maintenance, implementation of electronic tickets, and requirements for acceptance and payment according to regulations.
Simultaneously, the centre publicly announced the list of 134 bus routes offering free fares, provided guidance to the public on using the service, received feedback, and promptly addressed any difficulties arising during implementation.
The centre also prioritised network organisation, improving service quality, and greening bus transportation. Initially, it surveyed locations to enhance pedestrian connections, add shelters between bus stops and metro stations, and areas with high demand such as Ben Thanh Station, Van Thanh Park, An Phu, and the National University. The Sai Gon Bus Terminal has been renovated and upgraded to a modern and smart standard.
Pham Ngoc Dung, Director of the Public Transport Management Centre, stated that the centre has established an online operations centre to monitor, supervise, and verify bus operations through data from vehicle tracking devices, cameras, electronic ticket readers, and related management systems.
Regarding payment, the electronic ticketing system has been implemented on 135 intercity bus routes, with 1,982 out of 2,432 vehicles equipped with card readers; it has also been connected to 14 stations on Metro Line 1.
Passengers can use bank cards, e-wallets, Citizen ID cards, the VNeID application, QR codes, and other suitable methods to pay and authenticate when using public transport.
The synchronised implementation of the above solutions aims to gradually improve the quality of bus services, increase access to public transport, and reduce travel costs for citizens.
It ensures that the policy of subsidising 100% of bus fares is implemented publicly, transparently, and conveniently. At the same time, it contributes to reducing traffic congestion, reducing emissions, and building a habit of using public transport in the city.
According to the city’s approved plan, from July 1 to September 30, 2026, city residents using buses on 134 inner-city bus routes will receive a 100% fare subsidy, without mandatory verification or identification.
From October 1 to December 31, 2026, residents will continue to receive a 100% fare subsidy; bus usage will be recorded, verified, or identified through the Citizen Identity Card, VNeID application, bank card, e-wallet, MultiGo application, or other suitable electronic methods.
