HCMC – HCMC is working on a major plan to spend about VND7 trillion a year to offer free commuter bus services in a bid to shift city residents away from motorbikes, reduce congestion and pollution, and improve public transport quality.
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Tran Luu Quang, secretary of the HCMC Party Committee, announced the plan at a meeting on April 1, where he also tasked the Department of Construction with studying and proposing specific measures, local media reported.
The policy aims to reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution, key issues that Party General Secretary To Lam has urged HCMC to address.
Currently, the city has provided free bus services to certain groups, including people aged 60 and above, children under six, contributors to the revolutionary cause, and people with disabilities, at an annual cost of about VND1.7 trillion, while also subsidizing fares for students.
Standard fares range from VND3,000 to VND7,000 per trip. Expanding free access to all residents would raise the annual budget to around VND7 trillion.
To make the policy effective, city officials said bus services must be reliable, convenient and appealing. Alongside fare exemptions, HCMC has planned to upgrade service quality and expand its route network.
The Department of Construction has been assigned to reorganize the system for greater efficiency and a better passenger experience.
The city is also aiming to increase the share of electric buses through appropriate financial mechanisms. It currently operates about 2,300 buses, of which around 1,300 are electric.
