Ho Chi Minh City's public transport sees record ridership amid rising costs

Ho Chi Minh City's public transport network is seeing a sharp rise in passenger numbers. In March 2025, daily ridership for buses and the metro climbed by 12 per cent compared to the same month last year. The increase comes as many residents turn to cheaper alternatives amid rising fuel costs and fare adjustments across other transport options. The city currently runs 179 bus routes with a fleet of 2,112 vehicles, including 1,301 electric buses. Major bus stations now face overcrowding during peak hours, mirroring the high demand seen on Metro Line 1. That line alone recorded 411,736 passengers in just one week—from March 16 to 21—with trains frequently reaching full capacity throughout the day.

While subsidised bus fares have stayed the same, many private coach operators have raised prices by 5 to 36 per cent. Only two out of 36 taxi and ride-hailing companies followed suit with fare increases. Despite the metro's popularity, some commuters, like Lan Anh, have switched to it for cost reasons, even if it means longer travel times. The Department of Construction has pledged to keep monitoring public transport operations. Inspections will focus on fare compliance and service efficiency to ensure stability across the network.

The surge in bus and metro usage reflects a broader shift in how residents navigate the city. With fuel prices pushing more people toward public transport, authorities are watching fares and capacity closely. Metro Line 1 and key bus routes remain the most affected by the growing demand.