134 free bus routes contribute to changing the traffic face of Ho Chi Minh City
On the first day, Ho Chi Minh City provided free tickets on all 134 bus routes, passengers were more crowded, and the atmosphere at bus stations was busier.
What surprised many passengers was the new look of the public transport system.
Buses are cleaner, service staff are polite, waiting rooms are renovated spaciously and especially public toilets meet standards, clean, with areas dedicated to people with disabilities.
These changes, although small, create a very big difference in people's experiences.
Civilization is also reflected in the way the government implements policies. Not only is tickets free of charge for all passengers, Ho Chi Minh City also organizes refunds for those who have purchased monthly and annual tickets before the policy applies.
That is a reasonable and logical approach and demonstrates the spirit of putting people at the center in the process of building public policies.
A good policy must not only be right in terms of objectives but also fair in implementation.
Free bus tickets will certainly help many people boldly experience public transport. But to turn test-riders into regular users, the decisive factor is still service quality.
No one gives up a motorbike, which is very flexible if the bus is late, the waiting area is degraded, the bus is crowded, there is no connection, or you have to walk too far to reach the pick-up point.
Conversely, when the bus is clean, on time, friendly staff, convenient stops, and the cost is almost zero, choosing a bus will become a completely reasonable decision.
However, there is still much work to be done to make buses truly become the main means of transportation.
What people expect most is that the bus route network will continue to expand, especially small bus routes that can go deep into residential areas, new urban areas, narrow roads or connect with metro stations, inter-provincial bus stations and industrial parks.
The distance from home to the stop is shortened, people will have easier access to buses instead of having to use motorbikes for the entire journey.
In addition, it is necessary to continue investing in travel information systems, vehicle arrival time lookup applications, improve service quality and maintain hygiene at waiting rooms and public restrooms.
A clean, safe and friendly environment will retain passengers longer than any promotion program.
Free bus tickets are an important boost, but civilization is the factor that creates sustainable vitality for public transport.
When people feel that taking the bus is faster, more convenient, more comfortable and served better, they will voluntarily leave their motorbikes at home.
At that time, the city will have more less congested roads, a fresher atmosphere and a more modern urban lifestyle.
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