Metro Line 1, connecting Ben Thanh and Suoi Tien, will offer free rides for one month starting December 22, 2024.
Open-loop and Green Transportation
There are two main trends in public transportation fare collection globally: closed-loop and open-loop systems. In Vietnam, the closed-loop system has been the traditional approach, with cash payments or designated transport cards used for buses, electric bikes, and metro systems. However, this method has its limitations and may not encourage more people to use public transportation.
Post-COVID-19, countries around the world, including Thailand with its capital city Bangkok’s electric train system, have been shifting towards an open-loop fare collection technology. This system eliminates the need for cash or multiple designated cards/paper tickets. Passengers can use their existing credit, debit, or prepaid cards, as well as mobile wallets and QR codes, for a seamless and convenient payment experience.
By adopting this technology, we can gradually phase out manual ticketing and payment systems, creating a seamless transportation network with faster, safer, and more modern payment experiences for passengers. This also promotes green mobility and sustainable environmental practices, especially among young people and office workers who frequently use smartphones.
Sacombank Leads the Way in Providing Technical Infrastructure for Green Transportation
Recognizing the benefits of the open-loop system, Sacombank has taken the initiative to collaborate with HURC1 and Mastercard to implement an automatic fare collection system based on open-loop technology for the Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien). This enables passengers to use their bank cards or cards from organizations like Mastercard, Visa, JCB, UnionPay, American Express, and Napas for contactless payments.
Contactless payment for metro fares using bank cards
Sacombank is also actively working with the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center to implement open-loop payment solutions for buses, river buses, and electric buggies, expected to launch in early 2025. This will provide passengers with a seamless experience across all public transportation modes in the city.
According to HURC1, “With an expected daily ridership of 40,000 in the initial phase of metro operations, optimizing the ticket purchase and payment processes is crucial. Our collaboration with Mastercard and Sacombank has successfully introduced an automatic fare collection system, offering convenience, speed, and safety to commuters in Ho Chi Minh City.”
Mastercard’s representative for the Asia-Pacific region emphasized that the open-loop electronic payment system is a breakthrough in enhancing the booking and payment experience for public transportation users. “Our goal, together with our partners, is to provide a sense of security, satisfaction, and smoothness to users. We believe that this automatic fare collection system will become a model for other transportation projects in Vietnam and the region,” they added.
“This cooperation not only brings practical benefits to the people of Ho Chi Minh City but also marks a significant turning point in developing high-tech solutions, elevating the region’s and the country’s public transportation infrastructure,” shared Sacombank’s representative. “With our technical infrastructure readiness, Sacombank is working with local governments and partners to implement modern payment solutions, contributing to a comprehensive, sustainable, and friendly urban public transportation ecosystem. We aim to enhance the quality of life for our citizens while also focusing on environmental protection.”
In recognition of its positive contributions to providing payment solutions for public transportation projects, Sacombank was recently honored as the “Technical Enabler of the Year (2024)” at the Mastercard Annual Customer Conference in Hanoi.
Sacombank Launches Metro Pass Card
To celebrate the inauguration of the highly anticipated Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien), Sacombank is introducing the Sacombank Mastercard Metro Pass, a payment card that offers contactless fare payment for the metro, along with other standard features like cash withdrawals, transfers, and consumer purchases.
Customers can easily apply for a virtual Sacombank Mastercard Metro Pass on the Sacombank Pay app and then add it to their Apple Pay or Samsung Pay for convenient transactions.
Download Sacombank Pay to easily apply for the virtual Sacombank Mastercard Metro Pass
Additionally, Sacombank will set up booths at 14 metro stations to provide free physical Sacombank Mastercard Metro Pass cards to interested customers. Those who sign up for the card at these booths, online, or through the Metro app will receive a bonus of VND 50,000.
The Great Bank Clearance Sale: Offloading a Thousand Billion Debt, Including Nearly 6,000 Taels of SJC Gold.
Sacombank continues to slash prices on its long-standing debt, which includes a substantial cash loan and nearly 6,000 taels of SJC gold. Despite previous price cuts, this debt has remained stubbornly persistent over the years.
The Ultimate Guide to Seamless Transportation: “A Visionary Company’s Proposal for an Integrated Transport System: River Bus to Metro Connection”
The development of a waterbus service is set to revolutionize public transport and cater to the diverse needs of commuters accessing the Metro Line 1.
Sacombank Celebrates 33rd Anniversary with a Grand Customer Appreciation Gesture Worth Over 33 Billion VND
From December 9 to December 31, 2024, Sacombank is celebrating its 33rd anniversary (December 21, 1991 – December 21, 2024) with a special promotion, “Golden Birthday Celebration – A Month of Appreciation.” This promotion offers a total prize pool of over VND 33 billion as a token of gratitude to all its valued customers for their trust and loyalty over the years.
The Race to Launch Ho Chi Minh City’s First Metro Line
The ongoing dispute among contractors for the CP1a package (the underground section from Ben Thanh Station to the Opera House Station) of the metro line no. 1 remains unresolved. Ho Chi Minh City authorities are reporting the issue and seeking the Prime Minister’s guidance to facilitate a resolution. The aim is to ensure the first urban railway line in the city can commence commercial operations as scheduled on December 22nd.
The Ultimate Guide to Seamless Travel: 17 Bus Routes Connecting Metro Line 1, Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has released an extensive list of bus routes that will connect with the highly anticipated Metro Line 1, running from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien. This seamless transport network will see 61 bus routes directly linking 14 metro stations across the city’s bustling districts and densely populated areas.
