The Department of Construction has proposed to the People's Committee of TP HCM an expedited procedure for drafting a resolution on bus fare exemptions, aiming to accelerate its implementation.

Under the proposed plan, free fares would apply to 135 bus routes operating within the city, comprising 109 subsidized routes and 26 non-subsidized routes. Inter-provincial bus routes are not included in this initiative.

Residents board a bus in central TP HCM, 4/2026. *Quynh Tran*.

The Department of Construction anticipates submitting the policy to the People's Council of TP HCM for approval in april. If accepted, the free bus fare program could begin in may.

For the remaining eight months of 2026, the total estimated cost for this support is approximately 930 billion VND from the city budget, with 627 billion VND allocated for subsidized routes and 303 billion VND for non-subsidized routes.

According to the Department of Construction, issuing this resolution aims to reduce travel costs for residents and encourage the use of public transportation. It also provides the legal framework necessary to implement the fare exemption policy and allocate budget support for its operation.

To ensure smooth implementation once the policy is approved, the specialized agency proposes allocating budgetary expenditures to secure the necessary funding. Additionally, the execution of this policy should not create extra administrative procedures. Monitoring and oversight will be conducted through an electronic ticketing system.

A ticket inspector checks passengers on a bus. *Quynh Tran*.

The initiative for free bus fares was first raised by Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the TP HCM Party Committee, during a meeting on 1/4. Its purpose is to alleviate travel expenses, promote public transport usage, and thereby reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Once implemented, this will mark the first time all city residents can ride buses for free, expanding beyond the specific passenger groups currently eligible.

After its administrative boundary expansion, TP HCM now has about 180 bus routes, including both intra-provincial and inter-provincial services, operating with over 2,400 buses. Electric buses currently account for nearly half of this fleet.

Currently, the city offers free fares to several passenger groups, such as individuals aged 60 and older, children under six years old, meritorious individuals, and people with disabilities. Furthermore, most routes are subsidized to support residents and maintain operations.

Following the last adjustment in 2019, general fares on subsidized routes are currently between 5,000-7,000 VND per ride, while students pay 3,000 VND.

Giang Anh