Quang announced this information during his concluding remarks at the 5th meeting of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee's Executive Board for the 2025-2030 term, on the afternoon of 1/4. The city has tasked the Department of Construction with advising and calculating implementation plans.

According to the City Party Committee leader, the policy aims to help reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution – issues that General Secretary To Lam has urged Ho Chi Minh City to address.

City Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang speaks at the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Executive Board meeting, on the afternoon of 1/4. *Photo: An Phuong*

Currently, the city provides free bus services for individuals aged 60 and above, children under 6, people with meritorious service, and disabled persons, at an annual cost of approximately 1,700 ty dong. Subsidies are also provided for students. Standard fares range from 5,000-7,000 dong per ride. "If free services are extended to all citizens, the budget is projected to increase to about 7,000 ty dong," Quang stated.

The head of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee believes that for people to give up motorcycles, bus services must be attractive, convenient, and punctual. Therefore, in addition to free fares, the city will improve service quality and expand its route network. The Department of Construction is tasked with re-planning the system for greater efficiency and enhanced passenger experience.

Ho Chi Minh City also aims to increase the proportion of electric buses through financial mechanisms. The city currently has about 1,780 buses, with approximately 600 of them being electric.

City leaders assess that the policy of free bus services for all citizens will not only alleviate traffic pressure and improve the environment but also serve a social welfare purpose, helping low-income individuals reduce travel costs and limiting high-emission older motorcycles.

Students remain the largest group of bus users in Ho Chi Minh City. *Photo: Ha Giang*

In addition to bus services, the Standing Board of the City Party Committee has agreed to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee's proposal to waive fees for border gate infrastructure, amidst rising fuel costs, to support businesses and boost production and trade.

Regarding public welfare, the City Party Secretary has instructed the health sector to organize at least one health check-up and screening for all nearly 15 million citizens in 2026, in line with Resolution 72. A detailed plan must be developed and submitted within two weeks.

The city is also accelerating the renovation of old, degraded residential areas in the city center, such as Ma Lang, Cho Ga - Cho Gao; and developing flexible, practical housing for workers.

Concerning institutions, Ho Chi Minh City is reviewing Resolution 31 with the aim of developing a new resolution, and also proposing a Special Urban Law to create breakthroughs for the next development phase.