Right on the first day Ho Chi Minh City deployed the issuance of Public Transport Cards, many people came to Saigon Bus Station (September 23 Park) to complete procedures. At the receiving point, people were instructed to receive declarations, declare information, enter data, take photos directly and receive appointment slips. The implementation steps took place quickly, in about 10-15 minutes, without any fees. For people who regularly use buses, the new card not only helps verify support policies but also reduces travel costs. Ms. Nguyen Thi Bay (resident of Phu Thanh ward) said that for many years she and her husband have often traveled by bus to the hospital for medical examination and treatment, going to the market and visiting their children and grandchildren. "Since being exempted from bus tickets and now being eligible for over 60 years old, I have been supported to make cards, I remind myself that I will save more than 8.5 million VND in bus tickets each year. I save this amount of money for when I am sick or buy cakes and treats for my children and grandchildren" - Ms. Bay shared.
Many people assess that issuing Public Transport Cards helps the travel process to be more convenient, limiting the need to use citizen identification cards for authentication. In particular, the fact that one card can be used when traveling by bus and Metro Line 1 helps to connect public transport more easily. The Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center informed that from August 4, the city began to deploy the registration and issuance of Public Transport Cards for 4 groups of subjects including: People with meritorious services to the revolution, people with disabilities, elderly people from 60 years old and over and children under 6 years old (with a guardian). People belonging to the applied group can register in 3 forms: Register on the MultiGo application, register online at the website buyttphcm. com. vn or register directly at the reception point of the Public Transport Management Center at Saigon Bus Station. The card is used to authenticate policy beneficiaries on 134 bus routes under the fare support program and Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien). People with valid cards are supported 100% of the ticket price according to current regulations. To register, people need to prepare personal information, a photo of the card with a clear face, bright background and documents proving that they belong to the group eligible for the policy. Valid documents will be checked and compared by the Center within one working day from the date of receipt. After completion of approval, the card will be returned at the registration point or bus stations in District 8, Cho Lon A and Tan Phu, with a maximum card sending time of 3 working days. For students, Ho Chi Minh City will coordinate with the Department of Education and Training to develop a plan for implementation in the next phase. People who have not registered for a public transport card can still use their citizen identification card, VNeID application or bank card to take buses as they do now.
The Center recommends that people eligible for card issuance actively register before using public transport services, and at the same time preserve and use them for the right purpose so that the card is effective during travel.
