Ho Chi Minh City Encourages Public Servants to Use Public Transport, Links to Performance Reviews

Ho Chi Minh City is launching an innovative initiative to boost public transportation usage. The City People's Committee has announced a plan encouraging civil servants, officials, and public employees to use buses and the metro at least twice a week. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance public passenger transport and control private vehicles from 2026 to 2030, aiming to gradually shift commuting habits among residents. The city expects this prioritization of public transport by its workforce to create a ripple effect, progressively changing the travel patterns of the general population. While previous similar campaigns were largely voluntary, this iteration links usage to annual performance reviews and commendations, signaling a more assertive approach. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City operates over 180 bus routes and the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line, Vietnam's first. Additional options include river buses and public bicycles. To attract more passengers, the city has made 134 bus routes fare-free and is upgrading vehicles, stops, and waiting areas, with a focus on metro connectivity. By 2027, all intra-city buses are slated to run on electricity or green energy. Future plans include potential discounts or exemptions for personal vehicle parking for public transport users, integrated ticketing across different transport modes, and promotional offers. Following administrative boundary expansions, the bus network will be restructured. New electric and smaller bus routes will penetrate residential areas, improving accessibility. Routes connecting Long Thanh Airport to Binh Duong and former Ba Ria-Vung Tau areas are also planned. The city is exploring a demand-responsive small bus (DRT) model to consolidate passengers from residential areas to main bus lines and the metro. By 2030, Ho Chi Minh City aims to construct five major bus terminals, develop smart parking lots, and upgrade transfer stations and waiting shelters. The implementation of dedicated bus lanes and expanded pedestrian zones in the city center is also under consideration. For private vehicles, the city plans to establish a roadmap for emission control, transition to green transportation, and implement low-emission zones in the city center, Can Gio, and Con Dao. Restrictions on private vehicles on certain roads and during specific hours are also being studied. A network of charging stations and battery swap points will be developed at bus terminals, government offices, schools, hospitals, industrial parks, and parking lots to support the shift to electric and green energy vehicles. Source: VnExpress