Ho Chi Minh City commuters embrace free bus rides

Under the program, passengers can travel free of charge on 134 of the city’s 135 bus routes through the end of the year.

The only excluded route is No. 172, which connects downtown Ho Chi Minh City with Vung Tau and passes through Dong Nai Province.

The initiative is part of the city’s broader effort to promote public transport, ease traffic congestion, and reduce emissions.

Free rides draw positive response from passengers

On the first day of implementation, passengers interviewed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters said the policy brought immediate financial relief, especially for students, workers, and low-income residents who rely on buses for daily commuting.

Ngo Le Thuy Linh, a student at Ho Chi Minh City Open University, said she was delighted as she regularly commutes by bus with multiple transfers each day.

She said free fares would significantly reduce her monthly expenses.

“I think the buses are in good condition and the staff are very friendly. I hope the city will increase service on routes with limited schedules so people can travel more conveniently," Linh said.

She also praised bus conditions and staff friendliness, while suggesting improvements in service frequency on some routes. She added that she uses the MultiGo app to track routes and arrival times.

Another student, Ngo Nguyen Huynh Nhu, said she takes up to four bus trips per day and expects meaningful savings, adding that the policy would greatly benefit students who rely on public transport.

Phan Thanh Binh, a student at the College of Oil and Gas, said he was “truly happy” about the free rides, noting that students often face tight budgets. He also hoped more routes would be added and greener buses expanded.

On Route 61-2 between Binh Duong Bus Station and Bau Bang Bus Station, Dao Thi Khanh, a resident of Thu Dau Mot Ward, said she uses the bus daily to reach her market stall and previously spent about VND40,000 (US$0.15) per day on transport. She said the policy would help her save significantly.

“I normally spend VND40,000 on round-trip fares every day. Now that Ho Chi Minh City has made bus rides free, I can save more money. I sincerely thank the city's leaders for caring about people's lives," she said.

Other passengers also voiced support.

Do Ba Chau, a resident of Go Vap Ward, said the program benefits many people and improves access to public transport.

He also hoped Route 172 would eventually be included.

Tran Hong Hue, who traveled from An Giang Province to visit her child in Thu Dau Mot Ward, said she was surprised to learn her bus ride was free. She added that buses are already a convenient and affordable option, and the fare exemption makes travel easier for residents and visitors.

Nguyen Thi Phan, 72, from Lam Dong Province, said she was pleased to benefit from the program while traveling to Ho Chi Minh City for eye examinations. She described buses as modern and convenient, adding that free fares make city travel more accessible.

Authorities bolster operations, emphasize service quality

City authorities said preparations included standby buses, upgraded shelters, improved ticketing systems, expanded passenger information, and strengthened operational monitoring.

Pham Ngoc Dung, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center, under the municipal Department of Construction, said the first day already saw higher passenger numbers and an enthusiastic atmosphere across routes. He added that although fares were previously low, the free program still brings meaningful savings and reflects public support.

Dung said the city operates around 2,442 buses, with electric and CNG vehicles accounting for about 67 percent. The city plans to convert all intra-city buses to cleaner energy by 2027.

Le Hoan, deputy director of the center, said infrastructure upgrades are also underway, including improved bus shelters and cleaner public restrooms. He noted that newer buses are greener and more comfortable.

He said drivers and staff are being closely supervised to ensure proper conduct, while an electronic ticketing system has been expanded across routes.

Hoan described the initiative as a milestone for public transport in the city.

He stressed that buses must remain clean, safe, and fully equipped with tracking and monitoring systems, while operators must ensure fleet readiness and deploy additional buses when needed.

He added that passengers must remain at the center of service delivery and that monitoring systems have been strengthened to prevent any fare collection during the free period.

Hoan also highlighted the ‘MultiGo’ app, which integrates information on buses, metro line 1, water buses, and bike services, offering real-time updates and route planning.

Passengers are encouraged to use the app, while feedback tools allow service improvements.

He said passengers are not required to verify identity during the first three months, after which authentication will be introduced in the following three months.

During this initial phase, one of the center’s key goals is to promote digital transformation and build a comprehensive data system.

Therefore, passengers are encouraged to tap their e-wallets, bank cards, or international payment cards on onboard readers when using buses.

The cards are tapped to record passenger trips, not to deduct fares, with the data to be used for targeted promotional programs.

The free bus program is part of Ho Chi Minh City’s broader strategy to promote public transport, reduce congestion, and cut emissions in Vietnam’s largest urban center.