A university student in Ho Chi Minh City recorded around 300 bus trips in a month and was awarded an iPhone 17. The city uses such high‑value prizes to motivate students to ride buses more often and to register their identities on the system.

According to the program rules, the ten students with the most eligible trips qualify for awards; the top‑trip student receives an iPhone 17 directly, while the other nine enter a lucky draw for a second iPhone. A second round will repeat this format, giving more passengers a chance to win gifts.

Le Hoan, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center, said the city introduced free bus fares on July 1 and identity verification for bus passengers on October 1. He added that about 86 percent of passengers now use the verification methods.

Le Hoan also reported that since the program began, passenger trips have risen to more than 45.3 million, an increase of about 44 percent from 2025. The rise suggests that the incentives are encouraging more people, especially students, to choose the bus.

The city’s reward scheme is designed to encourage students to register their identities when using public buses and to develop a habit of public‑transport travel. By linking a desirable prize to frequent bus use, the program aims to boost ridership, reduce private‑vehicle traffic, and support environmental goals.