HCM City Buses Adopt Contactless Card Payments

Photo courtesy of Vietnam News

Bus passengers in Ho Chi Minh City can now pay fares with a mere tap, as NAPAS contactless card payments are introduced across 30 bus routes with over 600 vehicles. This new system, launched by the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), Sacombank, and the HCM City Public Transport Management Centre, allows payment via domestic ATM cards, smartphones, or smartwatches with digitised NAPAS cards. This upgrade aims to improve boarding efficiency, reduce queues, limit cash use, and enhance passenger experience, while promoting public transport usage.

This development follows the earlier success of contactless ticketing on Metro Line 1, positioning Ho Chi Minh City as a leader in adopting digital payment solutions for public transport. With over 80 million NAPAS contactless cards in circulation, Nguyen Dang Hung, deputy CEO of NAPAS, highlighted the importance of this initiative in establishing a modern and transparent transportation system, moving towards a cashless society.

As of now, contactless payments are available on 96 bus routes via 1,456 vehicles, with plans to extend this to all 138 routes by 2026. Sacombank representatives noted that the project aligns with their strategy to enhance digital payment ecosystems in transport, offering secure and affordable experiences. This collaboration between NAPAS, Sacombank, and city authorities reveals a joint commitment to digital transformation in public services.

Officials anticipate this initiative will promote green transport, decrease private vehicle usage, and advance Ho Chi Minh City towards its smart city objectives. With ongoing expansion, residents can expect further innovations in the city’s public transport infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• HCM City launches contactless payment for over 600 buses.
• Initiative supports a move towards a cashless society.
• By 2026, all bus routes will feature contactless payments.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News 2025-09-17