HCM City authorities have proposed free bus travel across all 136 routes from May, with an estimated budget of VND 930 billion (about USD 35.4 million) allocated for the remaining eight months of 2026.
The city’s department of construction has submitted the proposal for fast-track approval at the April council session, aiming for implementation in the second quarter.
The plan covers 110 subsidised routes and 26 non-subsidised services operating within the city, while interprovincial routes connecting HCM City with neighbouring provinces will not be included.
Of the total funding, approximately VND 627 billion will be allocated to subsidised routes, with a further VND 303 billion earmarked for non-subsidised services, all financed from the municipal budget.
Payments to transport operators will be based on an electronic ticketing system to ensure transparency and accuracy, without increasing administrative burdens for passengers or businesses, authorities said.
Beyond reducing travel costs, the policy is intended to encourage a shift away from private vehicles towards public transport, helping to ease congestion and cut pollution.
The proposal was announced by city party secretary Tran Luu Quang at a recent municipal party conference.
HCM City currently operates around 1,780 buses, including roughly 600 electric vehicles, as part of efforts to develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban transport system.