The HCM City Department of Construction has sought feedback on a draft resolution of the municipal People's Council covering public passenger transport development under the Law on Urban Development.
Under Resolution 29/2024/NQ-HDND, four groups currently qualify for fully subsidised public transport fares: people with meritorious service to the nation, people with disabilities, older people and children under six.
A separate measure, Resolution 09/2026/NQ-HDND, introduced free travel on 134 bus routes from July 1, but is due to expire on December 31.
The latest proposal shifts towards a more targeted, long-term subsidy framework rather than blanket fare exemptions.
It would retain free bus and metro travel for the four existing groups while extending the benefit to members of poor and near-poor households and all pupils attending general education, vocational education and continuing education institutions in the city.
A senior official from the HCM City Department of Construction told Dantri that providing free bus and metro travel to pupils would place a significant burden on the municipal budget, as they account for 45 per cent of bus passengers.
The draft also proposes a 50 per cent discount on monthly bus and metro passes for students and workers employed in industrial parks, export processing zones and high-tech parks.
The city also proposes free travel on new metro lines and connecting bus routes for their first 15 days of commercial operation, and during public holidays, Lunar New Year and major national and municipal events.
Beyond passenger subsidies, the draft proposes funding tied to service volume and quality, support for integrated multimodal fares and interest rate subsidies for switching to greener vehicles.
It also proposes waiving fees for temporary use of pavements and road space for public bicycle parking facilities, helping passengers connect to public transport services at the start and end of their journeys.
If approved, the resolution is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, replacing Resolution 29/2024/NQ-HDND and ensuring continuity after the temporary free-fare scheme on 134 bus routes under Resolution 09/2026/NQ-HDND expires.
