The free-fare policy took effect on July 1 and has led to an initial increase in bus use, according to Le Hoan, deputy director of the HCM City Public Transport Management Centre.
The bus network had recorded nearly 12 million passenger trips by August 12. More than 306,000 free trips were made on August 12 alone, up about 55 per cent year on year, despite students not yet having returned to school.
Hoan said the increase was driven not only by free fares but also by investment in vehicles, network expansion, service improvements and the introduction of electric buses.
The centre sees free fares as an incentive for people to try public transport, while service quality will be key to retaining passengers over the longer term.
Authorities have stepped up monitoring following complaints about buses failing to stop or skipping services, with reports received through inspections, the city's 1022 hotline, social media and the MultiGo app.
Cases are reviewed using onboard and bus-stop camera footage, journey data, inspections and information provided by bus operators before any action is taken.
The centre plans to increase spot checks and require operators to provide regular training for drivers and staff on safety, communication and passenger service. A common code of conduct is also being finalised for the bus network.
Ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, bus timetables and schedules are being reviewed to better meet demand from students and workers. At least 30 inspectors will be deployed each day to monitor services and assist passengers.
From October 1, passengers using free bus services will be required to validate each trip by tapping an accepted form of identification or payment on T10 readers installed on buses.
Options will include chip-based identity cards, the VNeID app, domestic and international bank cards, e-wallets and free bus cards issued to eligible passengers.
The tap will only record the journey and will not deduct money from passengers' bank accounts. The data will be used to better track travel demand and adjust routes, schedules and service capacity.
The city plans to combine the free-fare policy with further investment in vehicles, network expansion and service improvements to encourage greater use of public transport and help reduce congestion and pollution.
