TP HCM launched a series of incentive programs this year to promote cashless payments on buses. According to the Public Transport Management Center, passengers paying via e-wallets receive various support policies, including the "Cashless friday - 0-dong bus ride" program.
The program runs every friday, from february until the end of december. Passengers using participating e-wallets receive free fares, up to 4 trips per person per day. This free fare policy also applies during major holidays such as 30/4-1/5, National Day 2/9, and New Year's Day (1/1).
Viettel Money is one of the platforms selected to partner with the program, alongside VNPT Money, ShopeePay, and ZaloPay. Integrating bus ticket payments within the application allows residents to complete transactions faster, eliminates the need for cash, and aligns with the trend of urban service digitalization.
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Platform partnering with the 0-dong bus program. *Photo: Viettel Money*
The 2026 incentive programs are designed around the theme of "green transport - modern payment." The goal is to reduce cash usage, improve service quality, and encourage residents to choose public transportation. An increase in bus ridership can positively impact urban traffic congestion and environmental concerns.
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Residents use Viettel Money for bus payments. *Photo: Viettel Money*
From a user perspective, paying with Viettel Money simplifies the ticket purchase process. Passengers do not need to prepare loose change, wait to buy tickets, and can track their transaction history directly on the app. These conveniences enhance the travel experience, especially for students and young workers.
According to a Viettel Money representative, with TP HCM accelerating digital transformation and moving towards a smart city model, the involvement of payment platforms in public transport is a fitting development. Through incentive programs, digital payments are gradually becoming more common in daily activities, from consumer services to travel needs.
The Viettel Money digital financial application was developed by Viettel Digital Finance Services Corporation. The platform currently offers over 350 services, ranging from digital payments to digital finance, including: insurance, savings, credit, and online investment. To date, the platform serves nearly 30 million customers nationwide.
Beyond its role as a digital financial application, Viettel Money is progressively contributing to building payment infrastructure and digitalizing public administrative services for Vietnamese citizens. The platform serves as an official payment channel for the National Public Service Portal, a fund source for the iHanoi Capital Digital Citizen application, and links with VneID to expand social welfare benefits to tens of millions of Vietnamese people.
Hoang Dan
