Vietnam Railways launches AI pricing system with up to 35% discounts on short trips

The system was officially launched after a trial from April 22 to 29, during which fares were adjusted in real time based on seat occupancy and booking patterns.

Under the system, when a seat is booked for a journey covering more than 70 percent of a route, the AI automatically scans and identifies the remaining shorter segments, which are then offered at discounted fares at the time of purchase.

Seats eligible for discounts are displayed in light blue on the ticketing platform, along with the fare and the amount reduced, making it easier for passengers to select options that suit their needs.

Fares for short trips are reduced by between 15 percent and 35 percent, allowing travelers on the same carriage to pay significantly lower prices for shorter journeys.

The eight-day pilot on SE5, SE6, SE7, and SE8 trains delivered positive results, according to VNR.

A total of 9,376 tickets were sold, generating revenue of VND2 billion (US$75,900), with VND523 million ($19,800) returned to passengers through direct discounts.

Operational efficiency improved, with the seat occupancy rate reaching 79 percent, up nine percent year on year and 12 percent from the previous month.

Discounted fares accounted for 10.36 percent of total ridership on these services.

Following the successful trial, VNR rolled out the dynamic pricing system across all trains from May 1, 2026, two weeks ahead of the planned schedule.

Discounted fares are available through all official booking channels, including the railway’s websites, mobile applications, and e-wallet platforms.

During the Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers’ Day (May 1) holiday, the railway sector plans to operate 182 regular trains, providing nearly 90,000 seats for end-to-end journeys.

An additional 47 trains will be added, supplying more than 22,000 extra seats on key routes, including those linking Hanoi with Hai Phong, Lao Cai, Vinh, Dong Hoi, and Da Nang, as well as routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, and Quang Ngai.