Hanoi to launch an all-in-one e-ticket for public transport

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is set to launch an all-in-one e-ticket on September 2 to address the fragmented automated ticketing system for various public transportation modes in the city, according to Do Viet Hai, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Construction.

At a forum on "Smart Payment Solutions for Modern Transport" held in Hanoi this week, he emphasized that the move goes hand in hand with the Vietnamese government’s push for cashless transactions, which aims to be convenient for public transport passengers.

"The e-ticket system, which covers all modes of public transportation, will be integrated with automated toll collection, parking facility fee collection, and other services that extend beyond the capital city," said Hai.

Hanoi has approved a policy to adopt a unified e-ticket system, ensuring interoperability between public mass transit and other services.

Khuat Viet Hung, Chairman of Hanoi Metro's board of directors, said automated ticket systems are used in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, tickets for different lines are not interoperable. The new integrated e-ticket system will enable seamless transfers between urban rail lines, as well as between rail and bus services. It will also allow for smart payments, so people won't need to use cash.

The official revealed that tickets can be purchased via the national identification app, VNeID. "The system will be operational by September 15," he said.

To improve the passenger experience and reduce operating costs, traffic management and operation agencies have made rolling out the automated ticket system one of their top priorities.

"Beyond metro lines, buses and parking lots are also piloting automated ticketing systems with many new technologies," Hung said.

According to Do Viet Hai of the Department of Construction, in addition to technical frameworks and projects on smart urban transport development, it is necessary to develop specific policies for each type of ticket and service. These policies must ensure openness and connectivity with not only public transport but also other services.

Hai said once the technical framework is complete, building a flexible fare policy suitable for time frames, seasons, and passengers is the prerequisite for effective operation.

"We hope that, in the near future, there will be a unified e-ticket system throughout Vietnam," said Hai.