A fleet of buses no. 68 operate on the Ha Dong - Noi Bai route.

According to Tran Thi Phuong Thao, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Public Transport Management and Operation Center, starting from August 22, the city has implemented the reception of applications for cards which allow for free-of-charge use of public transport means toward some priority groups.

Those applying for the cards can directly submit their dossiers at nearly 50 bus ticket sales booths across the city. Regarding the ticket booth at No. 1 Kim Ma Street (Kim Ba Station), applicants can receive the cards immediately without waiting. They only need to bring along one 3x4 photo and a copy of the relevant papers.

Earlier, the Hanoi Departments of Transport, and Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs issued documents guiding the issuance, management and free-of-charge use of large-volume public means of transport across the city.

The beneficiaries consist of national contributors, people with disabilities, the elderly aged above 60 and members of poor households. Children aged below six will be allowed to travel free of charge without cards.

The card will be valid for five years from the day of issuance. Regarding members of poor households, the card is valid within the year (until the end of December 31).

According to Nguyen Hoang Hai, Director of the Hanoi Public Transport Management and Operation Center, the expansion of subjects eligible for free-of-charge use of public transport means aims to realise the municipal People’s Council’s resolution on giving priority to developing the large-volume public passenger transportation system.

Pursuant to the resolution, large-volume public means of transport include the urban railway system and the bus system (both normal bus and BRT).

The new policy aims to encourage locals to use public transport services, thus contributing to limiting use of personal transport means and easing congestion and traffic accidents. Nhan Dan