Hanoi deploys virtual tickets for metro line commuters from today

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi deploys virtual tickets on the Cat Linh-Ha Dong and Nhon-Hanoi Railway Station metro lines from today (August 1), making it more convenient for public transport users.

According to the Hanoi Public Transport Management Center (TRAMOC), the system of virtual tickets (non-physical tickets) will be piloted for daily and weekly tickets on the two urban railway lines.

The virtual tickets are set in line with the customer's identification account, and displayed on the mobile phone with information: full name, date of birth, time of use, ticket code, type of vehicle, route number and status of the passenger ticket. It is valid immediately after customers successfully register, convenient for use and easy to look up travel history.

A valid ticket card will be displayed on the smartphone screen: the dynamic QR code automatically changes after every 30 seconds of countdown, along with the TRAMOC logo that continuously flashes.

In contrast, a card becomes invalid when the screen does not display a dynamic QR code, or the code does not automatically change after 30 seconds as prescribed.

According to Thai Ho Phuong, Director of the TRAMOC, the introduction of virtual tickets for the metro line marks an important step toward deploying multimodal public transportation tickets in Hanoi.

"It's one of the steps in the digital transformation to improve the quality of public transportation services in the capital, and it makes travel passes interoperable among all types of public transportation," Phuong told The Hanoi Times.

In recent years, the center has been researching the application of digital technology in public transportation to gradually digitize operations and make public transport a more convenient option for residents.

He said that the ticketing plan will be developed in parallel with the city’s technical standards for its automatic fare collection (AFC) system. "This ensures system-wide integration and consistent application of digital technology to public transportation."

Hanoi is also poised to roll out an integrated e-ticket system on September 2, addressing the current fragmentation of the automated ticketing across various transport models, Phuong said, stressing that the move is aligned with the government’s push for non-cash transactions to create a more convenient, transparent, and friendly experience for public transport passengers.

"The new integrated e-ticket system will enable seamless transfers between urban rail lines and between rail and bus services, while offering smarter payment options. With the dual aims of enhancing passenger experience and reducing operational costs, transport management and operation agencies have made the rollout of the automated ticket system a top priority," said the official.