The new payment method is being deployed on 30 bus routes with more than 600 vehicles, operated by transport providers including Viet Thang Inter-Provincial Transport and Tourism Cooperative, Bao Yen Tourism, Service & Construction Co., Ltd., Citranco, Saigonbus, and Transport Joint Stock Company No. 26.

Passengers can use NAPAS contactless cards (domestic ATM cards) issued by 28 participating banks to make tap-to-pay transactions directly on card readers installed on buses. Additionally, smartphones and smartwatches with digitized NAPAS cards issued by several banks are also accepted for contactless fare payments.

Several banks have already digitized NAPAS cards, enabling passengers to "tap" their mobile devices or wearables to pay for bus fares effortlessly.

Using NAPAS cards for bus fares saves passengers time — there is no need to top up a separate card or handle cash for paper tickets. Boarding and alighting become faster and more convenient, reducing queues and supporting a cashless, modern lifestyle.

This initiative follows the successful deployment of the automatic fare collection system on Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) earlier this year. Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as a pioneer in implementing advanced electronic payment methods across its public transport system, helping to promote green mobility, relieve pressure on private traffic, and advance toward a smart city.

Mr. Nguyen Dang Hung, Deputy General Director of NAPAS, shared:

"With more than 80 million NAPAS contactless cards in circulation, this rollout enables passengers to simply tap and ride — no queues, no cash, just faster, safer, and more convenient journeys. This initiative extends convenience from the metro to multiple public transport modes and represents a key step toward building a transparent, modern transport infrastructure that contributes to Vietnam’s cashless society and smart city goals, in line with global trends."

Mr. Le Hoan (Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center) noted:

"Cashless payment systems have already been deployed on 96 routes with 1,456 vehicles. Relevant units have worked closely together to complete payment-device installations and meet technical requirements. Contactless payment will enhance the passenger experience, encourage the use of public transport, reduce private vehicle traffic, and support the development of sustainable urban mobility."

Mr. Pham Duc Duy, Deputy Director of the Retail Banking Division at Sacombank, emphasized :

"Sacombank is committed to integrating modern financial technologies into everyday life. This project marks another step forward in expanding our digital payment ecosystem for transport, delivering a seamless, secure, and cost-effective experience for customers. We believe this convenience will inspire more citizens to choose public transportation."

The collaboration among NAPAS, Sacombank, and the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center demonstrates a shared commitment to integrating modern payment technologies into public transport services and advancing Vietnam’s national digital transformation agenda. Leveraging NAPAS’s national payment infrastructure, Sacombank’s implementation capabilities, and the support of local authorities, the project promises practical improvements toward a cashless society and smart urban mobility.

In the next phase, the automatic fare collection system is expected to be synchronized across all 138 routes with approximately 2,221 vehicles, completing HCMC’s public transport digitalization roadmap and building on the Metro Line No. 1 model.

Since 2021, NAPAS has been rolling out NAPAS card payments on the VinBus electric bus network. The successful expansion to the bus and metro systems in Ho Chi Minh City demonstrates NAPAS’s continued efforts to develop a unified, seamless card-payment ecosystem across transport and other sectors of daily life.

Participating banks (28): Sacombank, BIDV, Agribank, TPBank, SHB, BVBank, VietBank, SeABank, NamABank, Vietcombank, Woori Bank, Techcombank, VIB, NCB, VietABank, Bao Viet Bank, PBVN, Kienlongbank, Saigonbank, Bac A Bank, Eximbank, MB, ACB, OCB, VietinBank, Digital Bank Vikki, HDBank, and Timo by BVBank.