The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction has reviewed the first month of implementing Resolution No. 09/2026/NQ-HĐND, which provides free bus travel for residents.

Presenting the report, Le Hoan, Deputy Director of the city's Public Transport Management Center, said the entire bus network operated nearly 478,000 trips during July 2026, serving around 8.5 million passenger journeys, a 39% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

According to Hoan, passenger numbers increased steadily throughout the month, with ridership rising 33% in the first week and 45% by the fourth week. Among the city's services, 109 subsidized bus routes recorded a 38% increase, while 25 non-subsidized routes grew by 64%. Interprovincial routes connecting to the former Binh Duong area saw particularly strong growth, with passenger numbers rising between 72% and 135%.

The free bus fare policy also generated positive spillover effects for the metro network. Le Minh Triet, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 Company Limited, said the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien Metro Line served more than 1.8 million passenger trips in July, up 15% year-on-year. Upgraded bus stops, shelters and pedestrian connections have made transfers between buses and the metro more convenient.

The program has also accelerated digital transformation and the shift toward greener public transport. The share of journeys validated using electronic ticketing cards increased from 9% to 60%, while the MultiGo mobile application surpassed 376,000 downloads, with more than 105,000 active users, a 47% increase. The city has deployed 175 electric buses across 13 routes, upgraded 638 bus stops, installed LED information displays, and built covered walkways connecting directly to Metro Line 1 stations including Van Thanh, Thao Dien, An Phu, Rach Chiec and Thu Duc.

AI trial begins August 1 as city targets on-time arrivals

Despite the surge in ridership, transport operators including VinBus, Phuong Trang, and 19/5 Cooperative said challenges remain, including an insufficient number of bus shelters, sidewalks blocked by illegal parking or street vendors, overcrowding during peak hours, and difficulties experienced by older passengers when using digital applications.

To address these issues, Ho Chi Minh City will begin a pilot application of artificial intelligence (AI) on Bus Route No. 33, which operates between An Suong Bus Station and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, starting on August 1. The route operates around 320 trips per day.

According to the Department of Construction, AI will analyze real-world operating data to optimize bus schedules and calculate appropriate stopping times at each station, reducing passenger waiting times and improving on-time performance. The pilot will be evaluated before expanding the model to other high-demand routes.

Speaking at the meeting, Bui Hoa An, Deputy Director of the Department of Construction, said the 39% increase in bus ridership indicates that more residents are switching from private vehicles to public transport.

However, An stressed that success should not be measured solely by buses departing on schedule but by arriving on time.

"People can have their salaries reduced if they arrive late for work. If buses cannot guarantee on-time arrivals, they will not choose them," he said.

The department has instructed the Public Transport Management Center to pilot an "on-time arrival" operating model, initially on Route No. 33, while also studying priority or dedicated bus lanes on selected corridors during appropriate time periods. The agency has also been tasked with reviewing and optimizing the network of bus stops within a 500-meter walking radius to improve accessibility.

An also directed the center to introduce a unified code of conduct for drivers and onboard staff before August 15, aiming to build a more professional and passenger-friendly bus system.

Beginning in August, Ho Chi Minh City will issue public transport cards for eligible priority groups and launch a customer loyalty program through the MultiGo application.

To further improve bus operations, the Department of Construction has recommended that the Ho Chi Minh City Police strengthen enforcement against illegal occupation of bus stops. It has also proposed that the Department of Home Affairs encourage civil servants and public employees to commute by bus at least two days per week.

Tuan Kiet