Ho Chi Minh City’s free buses carry nearly 12mn passengers in just over a month

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

Ridership has shown positive growth since the fare-free policy was introduced, Le Hoan, deputy head of the city’s Management Center of Public Transport under the municipal Department of Construction, told a press briefing on the city’s socio-economic performance on Thursday.

On Wednesday alone, more than 306,000 passengers used the free bus services, up nearly 55 percent year on year.

The increase was particularly notable because students and university students have yet to officially return to school.

The 2026-27 academic year is set to begin in early September.

The center said the fare-free policy had created an important incentive for people to use buses, but service quality would ultimately determine whether passengers continued using public transport.

Alongside recognizing and commending drivers and bus attendants who provide good service, the center has stepped up supervision and disciplinary measures against violations.

In recent weeks, the center has received reports of buses failing to stop to pick up or drop off passengers at designated stops.

Complaints have been collected through the transport monitoring system, inspection teams, the 1022 hotline, the center’s fan page, the MultiGo application and other channels.

Each reported case is verified before any conclusion is reached.

Investigators review footage from onboard cameras and cameras at bus shelters, examine journey-monitoring data, conduct on-site inspections and seek explanations from transport operators.

The process is intended to ensure that violations are handled objectively and transparently.

The center will continue to increase direct and unannounced inspections.

Transport operators will also be required to provide regular training for drivers and service staff on safety, communication skills and professional conduct.

A standardized code of conduct is also being developed for consistent implementation across the entire bus network.

“Alongside the fare-free policy, we expect investment in vehicles, expansion of the network and improvements in service quality to help buses become a safe, civilized and friendly mode of transport that residents can trust and use more frequently,” Hoan said.