Crowds misled by fake free double-decker bus ticket in Hanoi
Monday, September 02, 2024, 10:24 GMT+7
Many people gathered at the gate of the Hanoi Opera House at noon on Sunday, hoping to get free tickets for a double-decker bus ride, only to be informed that the offer was fake.
Among the crowd were Huong and her family from Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
They were disappointed to find out that the offer was false and had been circulated by untrustworthy newspapers and social media posts.
“We read that Hanoi was giving out free double-decker bus tickets from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm starting today,” Huong said.
“Last year, they did something similar.
"Seeing the queue, we arrived around noon, only to be told there were no free tickets.”
Similarly, many families with children who came to the Hanoi Opera House gate, where the double-decker buses depart, were surprised by the false information.
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| People gather at the gate of the Hanoi Opera House in Hanoi hoping to get free tickets for a double-decker bus ride on September 1, 2024. Photo: Ngoc An / Tuoi Tre |
Despite this, some families chose to buy tickets to experience the service, but due to high demand, they had to wait over two hours for the next bus.
Adult tickets are priced at VND150,000 (US$6.03) while rides for children over six years old cost VND110,000 ($4.42).
Hung, who traveled from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi for the National Day (September 2) holiday, lasting from Saturday to Tuesday, also came to the Hanoi Opera House after reading about the free tickets.
He later discovered that neither the official website nor the official Facebook page of the Hanoi double-decker bus service provided any information regarding free tickets.
The Hanoi Department of Tourism clarified that there is currently no promotion for free tickets, and that the misinformation being circulated dates back to 2023.
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| People take a double-decker bus ride around the downtown area of Hanoi, September 1, 2024. Photo: Ngoc An / Tuoi Tre |
A representative from the bus service provider explained that the high demand during the holiday led to the disinformation being posted on social media to attract views.
They advised people to check official sources for accurate information and pricing.
Despite the absence of free tickets, Hung decided to purchase tickets to enjoy Hanoi's double-decker bus service and explore the city’s iconic landmarks.
"This has been a long-standing wish -- to travel around Hanoi and see its landmarks," Hung said.
"Even without free rides, the experience was worth it."
Foreign visitors, such as South Korean tourist Lee Geum Dae, also embraced the service, seizing the opportunity to capture photos of Hanoi's streets and historical sites, undeterred by the hot weather.
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