Buses operate in HCM City. The city is moving closer to rolling out free bus travel for all residents. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — HCM City is moving closer to rolling out free bus travel for all residents, with authorities proposing a citywide fare waiver to begin as early as next month.

In a submission to the municipal People’s Committee on Monday, the Department of Construction outlined a detailed plan to exempt fares on 135 bus routes, marking a shift from a broad policy idea to a concrete implementation roadmap.

The proposal is expected to be submitted to the city People’s Council for approval this month under an expedited process.

If passed, the policy could take effect immediately from May.

Under the plan, free travel would apply to 109 subsidised routes and 26 non-subsidised routes operating within the city, while interprovincial services would be excluded.

The cost is estimated at around VNĐ930 billion (US$35.4 million) for the remaining eight months of 2026, clarifying earlier projections of annual spending.

Officials said the scheme would be funded from the city budget, with allocations prepared in advance to ensure smooth implementation.

The initiative follows earlier direction from Trần Lưu Quang, the city’s Party chief, who has called for stronger measures to reduce congestion and pollution by encouraging a shift towards public transport.

Beyond removing fares, authorities said the rollout would be designed to avoid additional administrative procedures, with oversight conducted through the city’s electronic ticketing system.

The move would mark the first time all bus passengers in HCM City are exempted from fares, expanding current policies that apply only to specific groups such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Following its recent administrative expansion, the city now operates about 180 bus routes with more than 2,400 vehicles, nearly half of them electric.

Officials say improving service quality, network coverage and reliability will remain critical to ensuring the policy translates into higher ridership and reduced reliance on motorbikes. — VNS