Ho Chi Minh City rewards bus riders with lucky draw prizes

The municipal Public Transport Management Center on Friday morning held a lucky draw to thank passengers who choose buses as their daily means of transportation.

The program was simultaneously organized at six locations, including Saigon Bus Station, Cho Lon Bus Station, Ham Nghi Transit Station, the former District 8 Bus Station, Binh Duong Coach Station, and Binh Chau Coach Station.

Specifically, Saigon Bus Station, Cho Lon Bus Station, Ham Nghi Transit Station, and the former District 8 Bus Station each offered 15 prizes, while Binh Duong Coach Station and Binh Chau Coach Station each offered 10 prizes.

The total value of the prizes reached VND40 million, consisting of 80 Co.opmart shopping vouchers worth VND500,000 ($19) each.

At Saigon Bus Station, many passengers shared that the activity created a cheerful atmosphere while encouraging more people to continue choosing public transportation.

Nguyen Thi Ha, 25, from Binh Trung Ward, said she was delighted with the program.

“Buses are becoming increasingly modern, while more attractive activities like this will encourage people to use this form of transportation,” she said.

“Although I was not lucky enough to win this time, I will continue joining future bus programs to try my luck again,” Ha added.

Nguyen Thi Hong, a 67-year-old resident of Phu Hoa Dong Commune, was happy after winning a prize.

“I am very pleased and highly value the city’s efforts to organize programs encouraging people to use public transportation to help reduce traffic congestion.

“I hope the bus shelter system will continue to improve so that people can travel more conveniently in the future,” Hong said.

Through the program, the center aims to express its appreciation to passengers who have chosen buses for their daily journeys.

The initiative is also expected to promote public transportation habits and contribute to building a more civilized, modern, and ecofriendly urban transport system.

Public transport demand shows positive growth

After one month of the launch of the bus fare exemption policy, passenger numbers recorded significant growth, reflecting strong public support and demonstrating the initial effectiveness of the meaningful policy, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction.

Starting July 1, all passengers on 134 bus routes currently operating in Ho Chi Minh City can travel free of charge, with the program set to run through December 31.

In July, buses have served nearly 8.5 million passenger trips, up 39 percent year on year.

Also, 477,977 bus services have been operated this month, with 97 percent departing on schedule.

The share of passengers using electronic fare verification usage has increased from nine percent to 60 percent, while the Multigo application has recorded 105,138 regular users.

In the coming period, the center will issue electronic and physical cards for groups eligible for 100-percent free travel, including people with meritorious services, people with disabilities, senior citizens, and children under six years old.

The next phase will extend the program to students.

These cards will be accepted across all 134 bus routes and metro line No. 1, with implementation expected to begin in early August.