Ho Chi Minh City to implement free bus rides to encourage use of public transport

At a press briefing on the socioeconomic situation in Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of 9 April, the City Department of Construction announced that the city is implementing a series of measures to accelerate the rollout of free bus fares. The move is intended to encourage residents to use public transport, while reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution.

Policy process and timeline

Do Diệp Gia Hợp, Deputy Head of the Maintenance and Operation Department of the City Department of Construction, said the city has studied a policy of discounting bus fares and submitted a plan to the City People’s Committee for consideration. The plan will also be reported to the Standing Committee of the City People’s Council to register a resolution supporting public transport users by bus.

The City People’s Committee has prepared a streamlined process for approving the resolution. Under the plan, the resolution is expected to be passed at the City Council in April 2026 and implemented immediately thereafter.

Preparation work and technical measures

To prepare for the resolution, the Department of Construction is seeking input from relevant departments, agencies, and units. It is also reviewing and finalizing the deployment plan to ensure effectiveness, transparency, and fairness, while avoiding policy exploitation.

Technical measures being prepared include a passenger-counting tool, payment arrangements, and a monitoring and inspection mechanism.

Expected effects on ridership and traffic

Do Diệp Gia Hợp said the free bus fare policy has social welfare significance amid rising fuel costs and is also expected to deliver environmental and urban transport benefits.

He cited results from pilot free-fare programs, where ridership increased by 20% to 34%. With city-wide application, the department expects many residents to shift from motorcycles and private cars to buses, particularly for short and medium trips, contributing to a reduction in daily traffic.

Environmental benefits and fleet capacity

The Department of Construction said the share of clean-energy vehicles in the city bus fleet remains high. Of 2,432 buses in operation, 1,367 use electricity or CNG. Expanding this environmentally friendly fleet is expected to help reduce emissions and fine particulate matter from transport.

The policy is also described as a preparatory step for a forthcoming vehicle-emissions-control project.

Network readiness and infrastructure capacity

The department estimates that current public transport infrastructure and capacity can accommodate 20% to 30% passenger growth. The city has 180 bus routes with more than 2,432 vehicles operating. Many routes are still operating below capacity, especially during off-peak hours, leaving room to absorb additional passengers when the fare-free policy is implemented.

Electronic ticketing and operational monitoring

On the technology side, electronic ticketing has been deployed on 109 routes with funding support. It is expected to cover the entire network by Q2 2026.

The system is intended to help accurately monitor ridership, track routes, and optimize operations, including adjustments to frequency and vehicle deployment based on demand.

Service improvements and connectivity

In the near term, authorities will continue to review, adjust, open new routes, and develop additional transport modes to improve connectivity. Infrastructure such as stops and waiting areas will be added in residential areas, industrial zones, and schools.

Real-time software will be used to monitor passenger flow, proactively increase peak-hour trips, and reduce overcrowding.

Why low fares have not yet changed habits

When asked why public transport has yet to attract more people despite low fares, Do Diệp Gia Hợp said cost is not the sole barrier. He noted that a fare-free policy is a necessary condition but not sufficient to change travel habits.

To maximize effectiveness, multiple measures are needed, including improving service quality, ensuring punctual operation, keeping buses clean and safe, and maintaining professional and friendly staff. The city also plans to enhance amenities and connectivity with metro, river buses, and other modes such as public bicycles.

Technologies such as MultiGo and the electronic ticketing system are expected to help residents search for information, plan trips, and pay conveniently.

Longer-term measures and evaluation

In the long term, the city plans to combine measures to restrict private vehicles in certain areas and strengthen communications to foster a habit of using public transport. Regular monitoring and evaluation of ridership, operating costs, and satisfaction will be used as a basis for timely policy adjustments.