Hanoi's second metro to apply new ticket system next month
This new system aims to bring passengers a safe, convenient and environmentally friendly experience by using biometric and digital verification on Hanoi’s second metro lines, ensuring faster and safer access.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi’s second metro line Nhon - Hanoi Station will apply a new ticketing and access control system from February 1, introducing digital identification and authentication for all passengers on the route.
A passenger buying ticket will receive a QR code to board the metro line. Photo: Pham Cong/The Hanoi Times
According to Hanoi Railways Company Limited (Hanoi Metro), the upgraded system is designed to streamline passenger flow and improve service efficiency while laying the groundwork for future applications, including biometric recognition and integrated digital services across the city’s metro network.
Under the new system, travelers buying single-ride tickets can use the Hanoi Metro App on their smartphones to purchase tickets and receive a QR code for gate access. Passengers without smartphones can buy tickets at station counters and will be issued a QR code sticker, which allows one-time entry through the gate.
Passengers aged 60 and above, who are eligible for free rides under the city’s policy, can use their chip-based citizen ID cards to pass through the gate. They can either download the Hanoi Metro App and complete the identification process to receive free digital tickets.
Those who are currently using pilot electronic tickets issued by the city’s Traffic Management and Operation Center should go to the ticket counters for assistance.
Hanoi Metro noted that the introduction of digital identity, electronic verification and biometric technologies for the new system would help ensure safety, minimize risk, improve convenience and contribute to building a modern, smart public transport network in the city.
The Nhon - Hanoi Station urban railway line. Photo: Hai Linh/The Hanoi Times.
According to Thai Ho Phuong, Director of the Hanoi Public Transport Management Center, the rollout is part of the capital’s digital transformation drive to improve public transport quality.
The new system introduces smarter, cashless payment options to enhance passenger experience while cutting operating costs, in line with the city’s push for more convenient, transparent and user-friendly public services.
Phuong said the use of chip-based citizen ID cards is being expanded to passengers under 60, with the second phase covering all users of the first urban railway line. Registration can be completed directly at stations along the route.
A trial from January 18 to 30 covered elderly passengers eligible for free travel using ID cards and regular users of single ride and daily tickets.
Passengers without facial data in the system will register biometric information once at station kiosks, while single-use e-ticket users must complete registration before travel.
Meanwhile, biometric ticket control will be gradually applied to all time-based ticket holders and piloted for foreign passengers using passports as well as those paying via EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) cards and e-wallets.
Hanoi Metro said it welcomes passenger feedback as it continues to apply modern technology to deliver more convenient and eco-friendly services across the urban railway network.
