The city's Public Transport Management Centre announced on September 21 that two new unsubsidised electric bus routes, numbered 179 and 180, will begin operations on October 5.
Both routes will be operated by VinBus Ecological Transport Services Co. Ltd and will use 67-seat VinFast/GreenBus electric buses.
Route 180 to connect eastern area with city centre
Route 180 will operate between VinBus Grand Park Depot and Me Linh Square, providing a direct link between Vinhomes Grand Park and several key areas of Ho Chi Minh City.
From Vinhomes Grand Park, the route will travel along Nguyen Xien, Nguyen Van Tang, Le Van Viet, Vo Nguyen Giap, Sai Gon Bridge, Dien Bien Phu, Nguyen Huu Canh, Ton Duc Thang, Nguyen Du, Hai Ba Trung, Le Thanh Ton, Dong Khoi and Mac Thi Buoi before terminating at Me Linh Square.
The return journey will follow a corresponding route in the opposite direction.
According to the Public Transport Management Centre, the service will strengthen public transport connections between Vinhomes Grand Park and areas including Le Van Viet, Sai Gon Bridge, Vinhomes Central Park, Ba Son and the city centre.
Route 179 to serve Vinhomes Grand Park
Route 179 will operate entirely within Vinhomes Grand Park, connecting Light Park with residential neighbourhoods and community facilities across the urban development.
The circular route will depart from Light Park and travel along M1, D2A, N2, D5, Cau Vong, Anh Dao and V3 roads before returning to its starting point via M1.
Officials said the service is designed to improve mobility within the township and provide easier access to residential, commercial and recreational areas.
Free travel during introductory period
Both routes will operate from October 5, 2026.
Passengers will be able to travel free of charge on both services between October 1 and December 31, 2026.
From January 1, 2027, fare exemptions will apply to war veterans and other eligible beneficiaries, people with disabilities, passengers aged 60 and above, children under six years old and holders of authorised public transport cards.
Students will pay VND 3,000 (USD 0.12) per journey or VND 108,000 (USD 4.14) for a monthly pass with unlimited travel for 30 days.
For route 179, standard fares will be VND 5,000 (USD 0.19) for a half-route trip and VND 10,000 (USD 0.38) for the full route.
On route 180, fares will be VND 10,000 (USD 0.38) for a quarter-route journey, VND 20,000 (USD 0.77) for a half-route journey and VND 40,000 (USD 1.53) for the full route.
The Public Transport Management Centre said the new services are expected to expand the city's public transport network, improve connectivity between Vinhomes Grand Park, eastern Ho Chi Minh City and the city centre, and encourage the use of modern electric-powered transport.