Ho Chi Minh City launches free bus fare on 134 routes

From 1 July 2026, Ho Chi Minh City will cover 100 % of bus fares on 134 city‑wide routes, a subsidy that runs until 30 September 2026 and is extended to 31 December 2026 with mandatory passenger identification via bank cards, e‑wallets, ID cards or QR codes. The city aims to boost bus ridership by about 30 % and shift commuters away from private vehicles to reduce congestion and pollution.

City officials report that the supporting infrastructure is ready: 37 bus depots, 6 241 stops, 1 030 shelters, upgraded stations, new modern shelters and bus‑stop poles, and a digital ticketing system installed on over 1 982 buses. A public Q&A guide explains eligibility, route coverage, verification steps and refund procedures for previously purchased bulk tickets. Residents greeted the launch with enthusiasm, noting daily savings of up to 50 000 VND and praising the improved service quality and cleanliness of the fleet, including electric buses.

Pham Ngọc Dũng, director of the city's Public Transport Management Centre, and Le Hoàn, deputy director, highlighted the policy’s role in building a modern, sustainable urban transport network and detailed ongoing upgrades such as new parking structures and metro‑bus connections.