Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City introduce free bus fares and bilingual signage

From 1 July, Vietnam's two largest cities launched free‑fare policies for their public bus networks. In Hanoi, officials completed the technical setup of an electronic ticketing system that will apply to 45 routes inside the Ring 1 area. Passengers must tap or scan a physical card, mobile app, QR code or e‑wallet when boarding and alighting; the system automatically deducts fares for travel outside the free zone and refunds any excess. The scheme follows Resolution 68/2026/NQ‑HĐND and runs until 30 June 2027, alongside adjustments to fuel‑using routes and the introduction of smaller buses to support a low‑emission zone.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the same start date saw the rollout of Vietnamese‑English information boards at major bus stations, coinciding with free fares on 134 routes. The bilingual signs aim to make the system more accessible to international visitors and signal the city's move toward international‑city standards. Both initiatives are part of broader efforts to modernise urban transport, improve passenger experience, and encourage public‑transit use.