Hanoi: Bus ridership in Ho Chi Minh City has surged since free fares were introduced on 134 routes more than a month ago, encouraging more residents to turn to public transport. As of August 12, the city's bus network had served nearly 12 million passenger trips, up about 44% year on year. On August 12 alone, around 306,000 passengers used free buses, an increase of roughly 55%, despite students having yet to officially return to school.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the introduction of free bus fares has been a significant factor in the increase of public transport usage. The initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution levels in the city, while also making public transportation more accessible to residents. The sharp rise in ridership indicates a positive reception from the public, suggesting that more people are opting for buses over other forms of transportation.

City officials are monitoring the program's impact closely to determine its long-term viability and potential expansion to other routes. The success of the initiative could serve as a model for other cities looking to increase public transport usage and decrease reliance on private vehicles.