Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper, HCMC Public Transport Management Center said most passengers have responded positively to the new bus stop design, praising its modern appearance.

The prototype is based on the existing N03 design but it has been redesigned with a more contemporary look.

It is intended for locations with narrow sidewalks and limited space while allowing passengers to better spot approaching buses.

Alongside the positive feedback, the center said it had also received several public suggestions to further improve the bus shelters.

One of the most common proposals was to add bilingual information boards.

According to the center, the suggestion aligns with the city's goal of developing a modern public transport system that is more accessible to international visitors, reflecting Ho Chi Minh City's role as one of Vietnam's leading tourism and commercial hubs.

"In areas with large numbers of international visitors, including the city center, metro stations and major transit hubs, bilingual information is already being introduced in steps to help passengers access information about bus routes and other public transport services more easily," the center said.

It added that authorities will continue reviewing demand and develop a roadmap to standardize information at bus stops, prioritizing areas with high volumes of tourists and international passengers.

The center also said installing vending machines at bus stops could improve passenger services, particularly at major transfer points and high-traffic stops.

However, officials said the proposal requires further study, taking into account the shelter size, electricity supply, operational requirements, traffic safety, urban aesthetics, and long-term management.

“For now, we are studying ways to involve private-sector partners in providing amenities at bus shelters, provided they do not reduce waiting space for passengers and comply with environmental, urban management, and long-term operational requirements,” a representative of the center said.

In addition to vending machines, authorities are also evaluating other features for the new shelter design, including lighting, digital information displays, mobile device charging ports, and improved seating.

The center also addressed concerns that the shelters' glass panels can trap heat, making waiting areas uncomfortably hot on sunny days.

It said the current materials were selected for their durability, safety, visibility and suitability for outdoor use, but acknowledged the feedback and said it would work with design consultants to explore improvements.

Options under consideration include using materials that absorb less heat, installing glass that reduces solar radiation, redesigning the roof to provide more shade, and adding trees where feasible to improve passenger comfort.

The Public Transport Management Center said public feedback will be incorporated into the final design of the new bus shelters as Ho Chi Minh City seeks to build a more modern and convenient public transport system that encourages greater use of buses.