On the morning of July 1st, according to records at Saigon Bus Station and many central stations in Ho Chi Minh City, the number of passengers increased significantly. The atmosphere at the waiting rooms was quite crowded, many people took advantage of experiencing the new policy when all bus tickets on 134 routes were free.
In parallel with the increase in the number of passengers, the bus system in the center of Ho Chi Minh City has also had many clear changes, clean and spacious. In particular, the new public toilet put into use with spacious, clean, fully equipped space, with a space for people with disabilities, is highly appreciated by many passengers.
Mr. Tran Anh Quan (Ben Thanh ward) said that this is the first bus route he has experienced during the free day and was quite surprised by the changes in the public transport system.
Today, I went to work by bus because I knew it was the first free day, so I wanted to try it out. I found the bus clean, convenient to travel, and the service staff polite.
What impressed me the most is that the waiting area and toilet have been significantly improved, with a disabled area. This is very humane, I think I will continue to take more buses in the near future," Mr. Quan said.
Ms. Trinh Thi Hue (Tan Thuan ward), who regularly uses buses, said that the implementation of a free policy combined with support for changing monthly and annual tickets is reasonable and convenient.
I bought a monthly ticket, so this morning I was instructed to go to the ticket exchange point and receive a refund. The procedures are quick, clear, and not complicated. It is very reasonable to be both free for people and support people who have bought tickets before to receive a refund like that. I will continue to use the bus because I find it more convenient and economical than before," Ms. Hue shared.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center, from July 1, people are 100% exempt from fares on 134 bus routes.
In the period from July 1 to September 30, passengers traveling by bus are completely free without needing to verify or identify information. This is a period to help people get acquainted and increase the level of public transport use.
From October 1st to the end of 2026, free travel will be associated with electronic identification forms such as citizen identification cards, VNeID applications, bank cards, e-wallets or MultiGo applications, to serve passenger data management, travel demand assessment and improve the quality of public transport services.
Representatives of the Public Transport Management Center (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction) said that for passengers who have purchased monthly and annual tickets before the policy application time, people can come to Saigon Bus Station (September 23 Park) to carry out ticket exchange procedures and receive refunds. Time from July 1st to October 31st. Condition is that the ticket is still in its original packaging, stamped by the center and ticket agent.
In the coming time, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to improve infrastructure to serve buses, add roofs at connection points with Metro Line 1, and invest in more parking lots and smart parking spots. The city also aims to improve service quality, increase connectivity between public transport types, thereby encouraging people to use public transport more, contributing to reducing urban traffic pressure.
