The cards will initially be issued to people eligible for free travel under current regulations, including war veterans and other meritorious service beneficiaries, older adults, people with disabilities and children under six.
Students will be added in a later phase, with the city's Public Transport Management Centre working with the Department of Education and Training to finalise the rollout plan.
Passengers will be able to apply for the cards either online or in person. Once issued, the cards can be delivered to registered addresses.
Each card will feature a QR code for quick verification and can be used across the city's 134 bus routes and Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien). The rollout is part of efforts to complete Ho Chi Minh City's electronic ticketing system and encourage greater use of public transport.
The city has offered free travel on all 134 bus routes since July 1 and will continue the programme until the end of 2026.