In male-dominated bus driver world, two women steer through Ho Chi Minh City streets with pride

In a profession overwhelmingly dominated by men, the two women have not only held their ground but also won the hearts of passengers with their resilience, care, and professionalism.

“I’ve never thought of quitting,” said Hanh, 41, driver of Route 44 between District 4 Port and Binh Quoi Ferry Terminal.

“Flat tire? Dead engine? I just figure it out on my own.

“My hands may be covered in oil, the sun scorching, but I myself chose this job and I’ll stick with it.”

She has been behind the wheel for 10 years, and spent the same period before that as a bus conductor.

The job starts early as she leaves her home in Thu Duc before dawn to reach the Binh Quoi terminal in time for the first 5:00 am trip.

The route spans nearly 17 kilometers, weaving through narrow streets and busy downtown stretches.

Hanh says it demands constant focus, especially in rush hour traffic.

“Some sections are rough, some are crowded,” she said.

“My hands need to stay steady so the ride’s smooth and safe.”

One recent afternoon, as her 30-seater bus rolled into the Kho Muoi stop in Vinh Hoi Ward, a child asked, “Is the uncle driver here yet?” before Hanh leaned out the window to joke, “Can a lady pick you up instead?”

Inside, her bus is clean and personal, a small vase of flowers sits on the dashboard, next to neatly arranged water bottles and little gifts from passengers.

That day, an elderly woman climbed aboard and pressed two warm banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) into Hanh’s hands. “For you, dear,” she said, like family.

“I just want each trip to be safe and comfortable,” Hanh said.

“This bus carries not just people, but also the affection between me and the passengers.”

Her colleague Huong My, 42, is one of the few female drivers behind the wheel of Ho Chi Minh City’s electric buses.

She drives Route 166, linking the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City bus station with Suoi Tien Theme Park.

Known for her bright smile and easy rapport with passengers, My previously drove taxis, tech-based cars, and even trucks.

But bus driving is a new chapter, one she has embraced over the last three months.

“Driving a bus is different,” she said.

“You’re responsible for 50 or 60 people.

“It’s a lot of pressure, especially during peak hours or in markets where traffic is packed.”

She recalled the stress of her first trips, eyes darting in all directions as she carefully navigated the bulkier vehicle.

But by the fourth run, she says her confidence grew.

“It was like passing a test. Now it’s almost second nature,” she said.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Colleagues and passengers alike speak highly of her, praising her friendliness and helpfulness.

Onboard, My keeps a guestbook where passengers leave notes and feedback.

“At first, I just wanted comments to improve,” she said.

“But people started writing kind words — compliments about the ride, about me — and those became something I treasure.

“Every kind word is like fuel for me to keep going.”

For both Hanh and My, the role is more than a job.

It is a calling and a way to quietly reshape perceptions in a city striving to modernize its public transport.

“Big bus, big responsibility,” My said.

“We just focus, stay steady, and treat each passenger with care.”

Their presence is part of Ho Chi Minh City’s broader push to upgrade and humanize its bus system — greener, smarter, and more people-centered.

And while their numbers may still be few, drivers like Hanh and My are proving that in this field, skill and heart matter more than gender.