7:57:13 PM | 4/11/2025
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works, Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railways No.1 Company Limited (HURC1), Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center, Mastercard, and Sacombank officially announce the launch of cashless payment system for public buses, operating on open-loop technology.
Now, a wide variety of payment methods including credit, debit and prepaid EMV cards, mobile wallets and smart devices can be used for travel on public buses in Ho Chi Minh City. Alongside this, the city also introduces the Sacombank Mastercard MultiPass card – a unified payment solution for all public transportation modes equipped with POS terminals.
Following highly successful pilot programs, the open loop payment system is now operational on key bus routes, with plans for expansion to over 500 buses across the city. This initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing the city’s public transport system in line with Ho Chi Minh City’s smart city development goals, as outlined by the People's Committee in Official Letter No. 2988/UBND-DA dated May 28, 2024.
Open loop payment system – Flexible, comprehensive connectivity
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the firsts in Vietnam to implement the open loop payment system, allowing passengers to use a wide range of payment methods including local and international cards, e-wallets, as well as modern digital payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This system provides more payment options not only for local commuters but also for international tourists, expatriates living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, and local residents who are already accustomed to using digital payment methods.
Implementing the open loop payments system not only provides practical benefits for residents but also contributes to Vietnam's national digital transformation goals. From a societal perspective, the open loop system encourages more people to opt for public transport, playing a key role in reducing traffic congestion. This shift will reduce the reliance on private vehicles, contributing to lowering emissions and fuel consumption, thus fostering sustainable urban mobility. Additionally, this public-private collaboration among banks, payment technology providers and governments can help to better serve communities, drive greater inclusion and deliver operational efficiencies, all while easing the financial burden on public budgets and increasing transparency in public transport management.
Complementing these efforts, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works is also introducing the MultiGO app — a smart mobility platform that brings all essential transport services into one digital ecosystem. Designed to deliver a modern, convenient, and cashless transit experience, MultiGO enables users to:
This app further streamlines the ease of accessing public transportation and provides more options for residents and visitors alike.
The Sacombank Mastercard MultiPass card – One tap for every journey
In collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works, Sacombank and Mastercard launched the Sacombank Mastercard MultiPass card to cater to regular public transport users, including students, workers, and daily commuters. The card offers a range of benefits tailored to public transport needs, such as a fixed bus fare of VND 5,000, metro fare of VND 10,000, and a 5% discount on multi-ride passes, etc.
The Sacombank Mastercard MultiPass card offers significant savings on public transport fares, making it a perfect payment option for commuters who use public transport frequently. By providing discounted rates for bus, metro, and other public transport modes, it helps passengers save money while benefiting from the convenience of a single, cashless payment solution. More than just a payment method, the Sacombank Mastercard MultiPass card symbolizes the digitalization of urban mobility, offering a seamless and efficient travel experience across different modes of public transport.
“Over our 33-year journey, Sacombank has remained committed to delivering optimal and sustainable financial solutions aligned with the city’s development and the daily lives of its citizens. Through this interoperable e-ticketing system, we hope to enhance the public transport experience, improve access to digital financial services, and encourage environmentally friendly consumption behavior. This initiative also reflects Sacombank’s meaningful contribution to the city’s development as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification,” shared representative of Sacombank.
“The launch of the open loop payment system for public buses and Sacombank Mastercard MultiPass card in Ho Chi Minh City is another step in Mastercard’s global efforts to bring innovative transit solutions to cities and make commuter journeys simpler, quicker and more efficient. Together with the Department of Transport and Public Works and Sacombank, Mastercard is proud to play a part in accelerating digitalization and enhancing the public transit experience in Ho Chi Minh City by enabling more payment options that bring greater convenience, ease and security. As more people experience the convenience of cashless payments for everyday transactions such as transit, it also fuels the adoption of digital payments everywhere else, propelling Vietnam’s digital and cashless economy in the longer term,” said Winnie Wong, Country Manager, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, Mastercard.
To further encourage the use of digital payments on public transportation, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works is also rolling out attractive offers and rewards for commuters via Mastercard Day. This is the first discount campaign for public transportation in Ho Chi Minh City, offering Mastercard cardholders exclusive benefits and incentives across different public transport modes:
The launch of the open loop payment system, the Sacombank Mastercard MultiPass card and the MultiGO app marks a significant milestone in transforming Ho Chi Minh City's public transport system into a more accessible, efficient, and sustainable system. With these advancements, the city is not only improving the daily commute for residents but also paving the way for smarter, more connected urban mobility solutions.
Source: Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
