Bus fare exemption is a drastic step by Ho Chi Minh City, but if it only stops at "0 VND", this policy will hardly achieve its biggest goal - which is to pull people away from personal vehicles.
It is undeniable that free travel brings many clear benefits, reducing travel costs, supporting low-income people, and encouraging the use of public transport.
A convincing analysis is that, each year the city loses billions of USD due to congestion and pollution, the expenditure of 7,000 billion VND for buses is actually a reasonable "investment".
But the urban traffic problem is never just about fares.
People do not refuse buses for a few thousand VND but because of inconvenience. Buses arrive late, have to wait for a long time, routes are not widespread, have to walk far, and route changes are complicated.
A trip that is twice or three times longer than a motorbike, even if it is free, is difficult to attract.
Reality shows that the current bus system has not yet met the flexible travel needs of people.
Many residential areas and small alleys are not connected. These "empty spaces" make buses a secondary option, instead of the main means of transport.
Therefore, the deciding factor is not the ticket price, an effective bus network must start from accessibility.
People step out of their houses and can easily catch a bus. This requires re-planning the route, developing mini buses into residential areas, and synchronous connection with the metro and other means of transport.
Next is frequency and reliability.
Cars must run on time, regularly. In urban traffic, punctuality is the biggest competitive factor for private cars.
The car must be clean, safe, and have a civilized service attitude. A pleasant ride will create a habit, conversely, just a bad experience is enough to make passengers turn their backs.
Infrastructure also plays a key role.
Priority lanes, convenient stops, clear information, all help buses be faster and more reliable.
If buses are still stuck like motorbikes, then there is no reason for people to change.
It is necessary to look directly at a reality, the habit of riding a motorbike is not easy to change. People only switch to public transport when they feel "better", not just because it is "cheaper".
Free may attract passengers to try, but for them to stay, there must be a good enough system.
The "zero-dollar" policy is therefore only a necessary condition. The sufficient condition is a convenient, timely, safe and reliable network.
At that time, buses are no longer an alternative, but become a priority choice.
