A screen shot of the mini app Go! Bus HCMC on the Zalo platform that provides information on public passenger transport in HCM City. — VNS Photo Nguyễn Diệp

HCM CITY — The HCM City Management Centre of Public Transport has launched Go! Bus TPHCM – a mini app on popular messaging platform Zalo, to provide information about public passenger transport.

Its deputy director Lê Hoàn said the outstanding feature of the application is that people could monitor bus locations and schedules in real time from almost any location.

Passengers can also buy tickets online for river buses without downloading additional apps.

Data about metro line No. 1 will be integrated into the app when it begins operation.

Passengers can find “Go! Bus TPHCM” in the search bar or search in Explorer and click on the app displayed on the screen.

Many apps and technology are being used to improve traffic management in the city.

In 2019, the city opened the first phase of a smart traffic monitoring and operation centre with modern technology for traffic management.

The BusMap app, which has information on public bus routes and bus arrival times, has more than two million users.

In 2013, a group of young and talented innovators led by CEO Lê Yên Thanh founded the technology start-up BusMap.

The app helps people increase the efficiency of bus travel, optimise their travel routes and save money and time, thus encouraging the use of public transport and helping reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

In 2020, BusMap beat other popular apps to win the first prize for “Smart Cities, Smart Living” at the International Telecommunication Union’s ITU Award 2020 for outstanding technological initiatives that contribute to a better world.

The city has also begun the trial use of e-tickets on public buses, and installed automatic payment systems on more than 450 buses so far.

Parking fees on many streets are collected automatically through MyParking or ViettelPay apps on drivers' smart devices. — VNS