The city's Public Transport Management Centre said passengers who bought 2026 ticket books before July 1 and have unused tickets remaining will be eligible for refunds.
Only ticket books issued from Jan. 1, 2026, with intact covers and official validation stamps from the centre and authorised agents, qualify for reimbursement.
Refunds will be calculated based on the face value of each unused ticket. Applications will be accepted from July 1 to October 31 at Sai Gon Bus Station.
The fare waiver, approved by the city council, will remain in effect until December 31 to encourage greater use of public transport and reduce traffic congestion.
Passengers will be able to travel free without identity verification until Sept. 30. From October 1, free travel will require verification through a citizen ID card, the VNeID app or other approved electronic methods.
Separate guidance will be issued for elderly people, people with disabilities, children, students and other passenger groups.
Ho Chi Minh City will refund unused 2026 bus ticket books after introducing free travel on 134 intra-city bus routes from July 1.
Passengers with unused 2026 bus ticket books in Ho Chi Minh City will be eligible for refunds after free bus travel begins on July 1.
