People in Hanoi to enjoy free bus, metro rides during upcoming holidays

The municipal People’s Committee has approved a plan proposed by the municipal Department of Construction to waive fares on subsidized bus and metro services during the upcoming holidays.

Under the Labor Code, public employees are entitled to one day off for Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and two days for the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holiday.

In 2026, the Hung Kings holiday, which falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month, coincides with Sunday, April 26. Workers will receive a compensatory day off on Monday, April 27, resulting in a three-day break from April 25 to April 27.

For the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holiday, the two official days off fall on Thursday and Friday. Combined with the weekend, workers will have a four-day break from April 30 to May 3.

The initiative will apply to 128 subsidized bus routes and two urban rail lines: the Cat Linh-Ha Dong line and the Nhon-Cau Giay line.

The fare exemption will be implemented over seven days, divided into two phases.

The first phase will run for three days, from April 25 to April 27, while the second phase will last four days, from April 30 through May 3.

For bus services, passengers will receive tickets corresponding to each route’s fare value, but no payment will be required.

On routes currently piloting electronic ticketing systems, riders will be issued digital tickets via onboard POS devices at zero cost.

Metro passengers will similarly be able to obtain zero-cost tickets, either directly at station counters or through the Hanoi Metro mobile applications.

The fare waiver is intended not only to support residents and visitors financially but also to foster a more positive public mood during the holidays.

Also, the measure is expected to boost ridership on public transport systems and help alleviate traffic congestion across the capital, according to the city.