Several banks have digitised NAPAS cards, allowing passengers to tap and pay for bus fares. — Photo courtesy of NAPAS

HCM CITY — Bus passengers in HCM City can now pay their fares with a simple tap, thanks to the introduction of NAPAS contactless card payments.

The new system, jointly launched by the National Payment Corporation of Việt Nam (NAPAS), Sacombank and the HCM City Public Transport Management Centre, is being rolled out across 30 bus routes with more than 600 vehicles. Passengers can use domestic ATM cards issued by 28 banks, as well as smartphones or smartwatches with digitised NAPAS cards, to pay directly on board.

Officials said the upgrade will help speed up boarding, reduce queues, limit cash use and improve passenger experiences, while encouraging more residents to use public transport. It follows the successful launch of contactless ticketing on Metro Line 1 earlier this year, making HCM City a frontrunner in adopting digital payment solutions for public transport.

“With more than 80 million NAPAS contactless cards in circulation, this system makes public transport faster, safer and more convenient,” said Nguyễn Đăng Hùng, deputy CEO of NAPAS. He emphasised that the initiative is a crucial step towards establishing a modern, transparent transportation infrastructure and fostering a cashless society.  

According to the city’s Public Transport Management Centre, contactless payment is now available on 96 bus routes with 1,456 vehicles, with plans to expand to all 138 routes by 2026. Sacombank representatives said the project reflects their strategy to expand digital payment ecosystems in transport, offering passengers a seamless, secure and affordable experience. 

The collaboration among NAPAS, Sacombank, and city authorities underscores a shared commitment to digital transformation in public services. Officials expect the initiative to contribute to green transport, reduce private vehicle use and bring HCM City closer to its smart city goals. — VNS