The initiative, themed “Cashless Fridays – Free Bus Rides”, will run from February through December 2026. Commuters using e-wallets will receive a full fare waiver, with a maximum of four trips per person per day. Supported payment platforms include VNPT Money, Viettel Money, ShopeePay and ZaloPay.

Free bus services will also continue to be offered on major national holidays, including the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30), the International Workers' Day (May 1), the National Day (September 2), the New Year holiday, as well as other key socio-political events in 2026.

The Public Transport Management Centre said the programme aims to reposition buses as more than just a basic mode of transport, promoting them instead as a smart, convenient and environmentally friendly mobility choice for urban residents. It is also expected to encourage wider adoption of cashless payments, enhance service quality, and underscore the ongoing modernisation of the city’s public transport system./. VNA