On the afternoon of June 19, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council passed a resolution on supporting people using public passenger transport by bus in the city.
According to the resolution, 135 inter-provincial bus routes are subject to toll-free policies. The total cost of implementation in the last 6 months of 2026 is estimated at about 665 billion VND.
Of which, about 454 billion VND is allocated to 109 subsidized bus routes and 211 billion VND is for 26 non-subsidized bus routes.
The policy is implemented in two phases. From July 1 to the end of September 2026, bus passengers on supported routes will be completely free of charge, without needing to scan cards or perform identification.
From October to the end of 2026, people will still be exempt from tickets but must verify information through electronic methods such as bank cards, e-wallets, VNeID accounts, MultiGo applications or platforms integrated with the city's electronic ticket system.
Currently, 22 inter-provincial bus routes have not been included in the scope of application due to being related to many localities.
In addition, 5 tourist bus routes using open-top cars and 18 bus routes connecting urban centers, tourist centers with airports are also not eligible for support due to their specific service nature.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the bus ticket exemption policy aims to reduce travel costs for people, encourage the use of public transport, thereby contributing to reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution.
After merging Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City's bus network currently has 180 inter-provincial and inter-provincial routes with more than 2,400 vehicles operating.
Ho Chi Minh City exempts seaport infrastructure for 3 years
Also at the session, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council approved a resolution exempting fees for using works, infrastructure, service works, and public utilities in the seaport border gate area in the city for a period of 3 years.
According to statistics, there are currently more than 94,000 businesses paying seaport infrastructure fees in Ho Chi Minh City, with total estimated revenue of about 2,390 billion VND per year.
Ho Chi Minh City assesses that toll exemption will help businesses significantly reduce logistics costs.
It is expected that Ho Chi Minh City's budget will reduce revenue by about 7,170 billion VND in 3 years.
However, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee believes that this is a necessary resource to support businesses to overcome difficulties, promote economic growth and create sustainable revenue in the long term.
