Under the proposal, operators would receive an average subsidy of VND 105 million (USD 4,000) per bus per month, along with support covering around 70 per cent of bank loan interest during the 2026-27 school year.
The province plans to launch the free electric school bus service in the Ha Long, Hong Gai and Ha Tu wards from the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
The pilot programme will initially operate six routes using about 50 electric buses with 30 seats each, serving an estimated 2,151 students. The fleet could be expanded to 100 buses if demand increases.
Authorities said buses would run every five minutes during peak hours, with journeys designed to take no more than 30 minutes from pick-up to school.
The programme will be reviewed after its first year before authorities decide whether to expand it.