Major train stations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the central city of Da Nang will pilot an automatic ticket system this month.

The new system has been installed, with ten automatic ticket gates at Hanoi station, three gates at Da Nang station, and five gates at Ho Chi Minh City station.

The move aims to upgrade train service quality, providing a more convenient and friendly service and ensuring security at the stations, according to the State-run Vietnam Railways, which manages the country’s north-to-south railway line. More new carriages will be added by the end of this year for the same goal, it said.

Train passengers can scan their printed or electronic tickets at these automatic ticket gates to enter platforms and board trains. To support passengers using the new technology, train staff will be on duty to provide help, especially to the elderly, the disabled, and pregnant women.

There are also some changes in ticket checks, with conductors no longer checking tickets before passengers board a carriage. At other railway stations, such as Lao Cai, Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Nha Trang, and Dieu Tri, passengers now present their tickets before passing through the gate.

There will be waiting areas in front of gates for relatives, friends, or people coming to the stations to farewell or pick up passengers.

The new ticket system is expected to be introduced at other stations if the pilot proves successful.

VN Economic Times