Hanoi denies reports of free bus rides for all residents

In Official Dispatch No. 7006 sent to relevant agencies recently, the Hanoi Department of Construction said it had reviewed press reports and found that some media outlets had carried headlines suggesting that Hanoi was drawing up schemes to make bus services free.

The department said this information was not accurate and had caused misunderstanding among the public regarding the capital city's policies.

It added that Hanoi has yet to adopt any policy to waive bus fares for everyone.

The department clarified that the city is currently offering complimentary public transport only for certain eligible groups, including people with meritorious services to Vietnam, persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, children under six years old, and individuals from poor households.

It added that Hanoi is in the process of completing procedures to submit proposals to the National Assembly for consideration of amendments to the Capital Law.

Once the revised law is approved and takes effect, the city will further specify and implement related policies.

These future adjustments are expected to include additional measures to encourage the use of public transport, helping reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution in the capital, according to the department.

Hanoi's clarification comes as Ho Chi Minh City is preparing a plan to introduce free bus travel for all residents this month.

The municipal Department of Construction, which is in charge of transport oversight, said it is finalizing preparations before submitting the plan to the municipal People's Council, which is expected to convene around April 20.

If approved, the policy would take effect about 10 days after its passage, deputy director Bui Hoa An told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.