The HCM City Public Transport Management Centre said on June 22 that it had developed plans for five new bus routes aimed at strengthening connectivity across the former Binh Duong area.
The proposed routes would serve residents in 25 wards and communes, including Vinh Tan, Thuan An, Thoi Hoa, Thuan Giao, Thu Dau Mot, Tan Uyen, Tan Khanh, Tan Hiep, Binh Co, An Phu, Long Binh, Linh Xuan, Lai Thieu, Dong Hoa, Di An, Binh Hoa, Chanh Phu Hoa, Ben Cat, Long Nguyen, Thanh An, Long Hoa, Dau Tieng, Phuoc Hoa, Phu Giao and Bau Bang.
The centre is seeking public feedback on operating hours, service frequency, route alignments and other related issues before finalising the plan.
It said constructive suggestions would be considered and incorporated before the routes are officially launched.
Following the merger of Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau into HCM City, the city's public bus network now comprises 180 intra-city and inter-provincial routes operated by more than 2,400 vehicles.
However, bus usage remains low. In 2025, buses accounted for only about 1.6 per cent of travel demand, well below the city's target of 7.23 per cent.
To boost public transport use, HCM City plans to review, adjust and restructure its entire bus network. The strategy includes launching more environmentally friendly buses and smaller vehicles capable of serving densely populated residential areas.
The city also plans to better integrate buses with other transport modes, including water buses, public bicycles and metro services, with the aim of ensuring access to public transport within a 300-500 metre walking distance.
Additional bus routes are being considered for the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong areas, as well as services connecting to Long Thanh International Airport. Authorities are also studying the feasibility of night bus services.
HCM City also plans to introduce demand-responsive transport (DRT) services using smaller, flexible vehicles to provide feeder connections within residential neighbourhoods.
Earlier this month, the city council approved a policy offering free travel on 134 intra-city bus routes, including 109 subsidised and 25 non-subsidised services, from July 1 until the end of 2026.
