HCMC – HCMC will offer free rides on public buses and Metro Line No.1 during the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, according to a plan recently issued by the city’s Department of Construction.
The peak travel period will last 20 days, from February 7 to February 26 (the 20th day of the 12th lunar month to the 10th day of the first lunar month). Demand for public transport, including buses, Metro Line No.1 and river buses, is expected to rise during this period, the Public Transport Management Center said.
Bus fares will be waived on routes operated by Sinh Thai Transport Co. from February 17 to 19, and on routes run by Phuong Trang Futabuslines from February 16 to 18. Phuong Trang will also offer free rides on all non-subsidized routes it operates, including routes 67, 109, 171, 172, 60-1, 60-3, 60-5, 60-7 and 63-1.
Metro Line No.1 will provide free rides from February 16 to 17.
To meet travel demand, transport services will be adjusted in three phases: from the 20th to the 26th day of the 12th lunar month (February 7 to February 13); from the 27th day of the 12th lunar month to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year (February 14 to February 21); and from the sixth to the 10th day of the first lunar month (February 22 to February 26).
Bus routes connecting Tan Son Nhat International Airport are expected to see higher passenger volumes and must operate according to approved schedules. Routes linking interprovincial coach stations are forecast to record a slight increase in demand and are required to ensure sufficient capacity and timely passenger clearance.
Several school-related bus routes and some non-subsidized routes will be temporarily suspended during the holiday period. River bus operators and public bicycle service providers have been instructed to strengthen operations to handle potential passenger surges, particularly in central areas.
