This marks the first time Ho Chi Minh City has implemented such a large-scale free fare policy for its bus system. The initiative aims to reduce travel costs for residents, encourage public transport use, and thereby mitigate traffic congestion and pollution. The policy will be in effect from today until the end of 2026.

According to the Public Transport Management Center, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, the free fares apply to all passengers on 134 operating bus routes within the city. Routes excluded from this policy include inter-provincial services, open-top double-decker buses, buses connecting urban centers and tourist areas with the airport, and routes that primarily serve inter-provincial travel despite passing through other localities.

Bus passengers in Ho Chi Minh City, 4/2026. Photo: Quynh Tran

The new policy, designed to be "free but controlled, convenient for residents, and meeting management requirements," is being implemented in two phases. From 1/7 until the end of September, all passengers on the 134 routes will ride for free, without needing any verification or identification.

During this initial period, the city will continue to enhance its database, technology infrastructure, and electronic ticketing system for management purposes. While not mandatory, passengers are encouraged to scan their cards and identify themselves to participate in future incentive programs.

From 1/10 until the end of this year, passengers on the 134 bus routes will continue to ride for free. However, this will require recording, verification, or identification through methods such as citizen identification cards, VNeID, bank cards, e-wallets, or the MultiGo application. For specific groups like the elderly, disabled, children, students, and casual visitors, the city will issue separate guidelines to ensure convenient access to the service.

Bui Hoa An, Deputy Director of the Department of Construction, stated that to effectively implement the free fare policy, the city will secure resources, improve service quality and vehicles, and strengthen public transport network connectivity. Recently, Ho Chi Minh City has upgraded bus infrastructure, including terminals, stops, shelters, and related facilities.

During the 2026-2027 period, the city plans to invest in new, modernized stop poles and shelters, while also renovating the Saigon and Cho Lon bus terminals. Additionally, multi-story parking facilities at several major bus terminals are expected to be invested in and put into operation during this period, increasing the public transport system's service capacity.

Buses parked at Ho Chi Minh City's central bus terminal, 6/2026. Photo: Quynh Tran

Previously, from 4/2025, the Public Transport Management Center launched the MultiGo application, offering many utilities to support residents using buses and metros. The app allows users to look up routes, stop locations, fares, track real-time bus arrival times, and view the license plates of upcoming buses.

The application also allows linking with popular e-wallets such as MoMo, ShopeePay, and ZaloPay, along with Visa, Mastercard, and Napas bank cards for cashless payments. Users can also send feedback directly on the app to provide suggestions and improve service quality.

Ho Chi Minh City currently operates 180 bus routes, including both intra-provincial and inter-provincial services, utilizing over 2,400 vehicles. In recent years, general fares on subsidized routes in the city were 5,000-7,000 dong per ride, while students paid 3,000 dong. The city had previously offered free bus and metro rides on certain holidays, which also required identification.

Giang Anh