This is the key content in the cooperation program between the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction and Mastercard Asia - Pacific region, announced on March 25.
From March 25, the Apple Pay Express Mode (Apple Express) feature on the open-loop payment platform was officially deployed on Metro line No. 1.
Passengers can use iPhone or Apple Watch to pay for metro tickets by directly touching the card reader. Transactions are made almost instantly, without Face ID, Touch ID or password entry.
This technology operates on an open-loop payment platform, allowing passengers to pay for public transport tickets with non-contact bank cards (debit cards or credit cards) or e-wallets without buying or depositing money into a dedicated transport card.
Mr. Bui Hoa An - Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction - said that putting advanced payment solutions into operation is an important step in the process of modernizing the public transport system.
People and tourists can use familiar payment methods such as bank cards, e-wallets to "tap and go", thereby improving the experience, increasing transparency and gradually reducing dependence on cash.
According to Mr. An, the digital payment system also helps management agencies effectively exploit operating data, serving urban traffic planning and development in a smart and sustainable direction.
Within the framework of cooperation, the two sides will continue to research, advise and implement digital payment solutions in public transport; share international experiences; and organize training and communication to promote the habit of cashless payments in the community.
Currently, the Ho Chi Minh City public passenger transport network is gradually being integrated and interconnected between many types. Buses still play a key role with about 180 routes, more than 2,200 vehicles, serving an average of over 300,000 passengers per day.
Metro Line No. 1 operates about 240 trips/day, serving from 40,000 - 50,000 passengers/day. Waterway buses and public bicycles are also gradually becoming effective.
At the same time, Ho Chi Minh City is promoting the deployment of cashless payments on buses. To date, the system has been installed on more than 120/181 routes, equivalent to more than 1,900/2,200 vehicles.
It is expected that before June 2026, all subsidized buses will complete installation, contributing to the formation of a synchronous payment ecosystem for public transport.
