Contactless NAPAS card payment system launched on buses

Hanoi, September 18 (VNA) – The Vietnam National Payment Corporation (NAPAS), Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Sacombank), and Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Centre on September 16 officially launched the contactless NAPAS card payment method on the bus system.

This marks an important step in the modernisation of public transport and the promotion of a cashless society. As scheduled, the new payment method will be applied to over 30 bus routes, with more than 600 vehicles operated by various transportation companies. Passengers can use NAPAS domestic ATM cards issued by 28 banks to make direct payments by tapping their cards on devices installed on the buses. Additionally, some banks have launched digital card services that enable users to make payments via smartphones or smartwatches.

By using NAPAS cards, passengers no longer need to purchase paper tickets or load money onto separate cards. This cuts boarding times, minimises queues, and reduces the use of cash. This aligns with modern consumption trends and encourages people to opt for public transport over private vehicles.

Nguyen Dang Hung, Deputy General Director of NAPAS, said that there are currently more than 80 million contactless NAPAS cards in circulation. The new system in Ho Chi Minh City will allow passengers to “tap and go”, providing a quick, secure, and efficient travel experience, while expanding the use of this technology from the metro system to other forms of public transport.

Le Hoan, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Centre, emphasised that the cashless payment system is already in use on 96 routes with 1,456 vehicles, and the system will continue to expand. This will enhance the public’s experience and encourage bus usage, ultimately contributing to reduced traffic congestion and sustainable transport development. Pham Duc Duy, Deputy Director of Sacombank’s Personal Banking Division, noted that the project is a step toward expanding the digital payment ecosystem. The convenience of tapping a card will motivate people to prioritise public transport.

In the coming stages, the automatic payment system is expected to be rolled out across all 138 routes, covering about 2,221 vehicles. This is seen as a continuation of the success of the automated ticketing system on Metro Line 1, working toward a fully digitalised public transport network in Ho Chi Minh City. Earlier, in 2021, NAPAS tested the deployment of domestic card payments on Vinbus electric buses. The expansion to the city’s bus and metro systems reaffirms the commitment to creating a seamless and integrated payment ecosystem for everyday life./.