Vietnam Railway, the operator of the north-to-south rail link, has put to use automated fare collection systems at its Hanoi and Saigon stations in an attempt to improve passengers’ experience and security.

In Hanoi, ten automated barrier gates have been installed, while the Saigon Railway Station in Ho Chi Minh City got five.

The gates operate by scanning a QR code printed on a passenger’s ticket or sent to their smartphone to confirm the ticket’s validity before opening up to let the ticketholder through.

An integrated LED and audio response system will let the passenger know if their ticket is invalid, upon which they can seek help from station attendants nearby.

A station employee helps a passenger scan her ticket. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The employees are available at all time to assist first-time users of the automated fare collection as well as the elderly and disabled, and pregnant women who might need help carrying their luggage across the barriers.

Phung Thi Ly Ha, deputy general director of Hanoi Railway Transport Company, said the new system was expected to improve the overall safety, order and security of the busy stations, while creating a more civilized and friendly atmosphere for passengers to enjoy.

“In the upcoming time, we will welcome any feedback from passengers concerning the automated system to rectify any shortcomings,” Ha said.

Cao Le Duc Anh, a 20-year-old passenger from Hanoi, said the first time using the system could be a little time-consuming, but that he believed it would be much more convenient in the long run for everybody.

A station employee helps a passenger scan her ticket. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A station employee helps a passenger scan his ticket. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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