The HCM City Department of Transport has submitted a draft resolution to the HCM City People's Committee, proposing policies to support public transport users through bus and metro services, as well as financial assistance for public passenger transport in the city.

According to the plan, Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) will commence commercial operations at the end of December.

HCM City intends to use approximately 32.6 billion VND annually to cover 100% of ticket costs for select groups, including war veterans, people with disabilities, the elderly (aged 60 and above), and children under 6 accompanied by an adult.

Most notably, during the first 30 days of operation, the city plans to fund 100% of ticket costs for all passengers using the metro and the 17 connecting bus routes. The budget for free metro rides during this period is estimated at 15.7 billion VND, while the cost for the bus routes is set at 17.3 billion VND.

In addition to free tickets, HCMC will provide financial support for the operation of public transport systems, including both buses and metro services. The city budget will subsidize the difference between ticket sales revenue and operating costs.

The total projected financial support for public transport services by bus and metro is estimated at 2,226 billion VND per year. This includes 1,843 billion VND allocated for bus services and 383 billion VND for metro operations.

The proposal is expected to be submitted to the HCMC People's Council during its December session and would take effect on January 1, 2025.

Tuan Kiet