Hanoi to launch multimodal public transport pass for buses, metro by September

Under Decision No. 3316 recently issued by the Hanoi People’s Committee, the integrated pass aims to streamline fare payment for public transit users and promote the use of sustainable transport across the city.

In the initial phase, the pass will be limited to subsidized bus and metro services.

Future expansions may include other modes such as public bicycles and taxis, as well as organizations and individuals involved in public transport operations.

For buses, the electronic fare will consist of a base VND3,000 ($0.11) boarding fee plus VND450 ($0.01) per kilometer.

A one-line 12-month pass costs VND790,000 ($30) for priority users and nearly VND1.6 million ($62) for non-priority users.

For unlimited bus routes, the annual fee is nearly VND1.6 million ($62) for priority groups and over VND3.1 million ($120) for others.

Metro fares will be calculated similarly, starting at VND8,000 ($0.3) plus VND850 ($0.03) per kilometer for digital payments.

The multimodal pass for both buses and metro will be priced at VND2.8 million ($108) per year for priority users and VND5.6 million ($216) per year for non-priority users, in line with Hanoi’s current public transport subsidy policy.

The pass will be available in daily, weekly, and monthly formats, though specific short-term fare rates were not detailed in the official decision.

Hanoi officials say the pass is designed to encourage wider use of public transport, reduce traffic congestion, and curb pollution.

The system is expected to launch officially on September 2, according to the city’s Department of Construction, a merger of the construction department and the transport department during Vietnam’s recent administrative restructuring.