Metro and ferry fare cuts proposed for students
The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training has proposed extending student fare discounts to metro and ferry services under a draft decree implementing the Education Law.
If approved, students would be eligible for discounted fares on four forms of public transport, trains, buses, metro systems and ferries, up from the current two of trains and buses.
The ministry said the proposal reflects changes in urban transport, with elevated and underground metro lines now operating in major cities, while ferries remain a common mode of travel in some localities.
A train of the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro route in Hanoi
If approved, students would be eligible for discounted fares on four forms of public transport, trains, buses, metro systems and ferries, up from the current two of trains and buses.
The ministry said the proposal reflects changes in urban transport, with elevated and underground metro lines now operating in major cities, while ferries remain a common mode of travel in some localities.
Under existing regulations, students receive a 50 per cent discount on train and bus fares, typically amounting to about VND 55,000-100,000 (USD 2.1-3.8) per trip, depending on distance and service.
The draft decree also updates scholarship criteria for specialised schools and arts and sports institutions, and aims to cut red tape by simplifying procedures and shortening processing times.
Under the government’s Decree 84/2020, students are entitled to reduced fares of about 50 per cent at public cultural and recreational sites, such as museums and historical landmarks, upon presentation of a valid student card.
For example, entry to Hanoi’s Temple of Literature costs VND 70,000 for adults, while students pay VND 35,000 per visit.
