Ha Noi to modernize metro ticketing with biometric technology
VGP - Ha Noi is set to modernize its urban railway ticketing system using biometric and digital verification technologies, aiming to enhance efficiency, security, and passenger convenience across all metro lines.
Passengers use QR code to access metro train in Ha Noi - Photo: Tintuc
The Ha Noi People's Committee approved a new ticket control procedure for automatic fare gates that incorporates digital identification, electronic verification, and biometric recognition. The system will first be deployed on the city's two operational metro routes — Cat Linh– Ha Dong and Nhon – Ha Noi Station — before expanding to other lines.
Tickets will come in multiple types, including non-identified single tickets, identified single tickets with biometric data, time-based tickets with identification, and discounted tickets for senior citizens. The system supports both NFC physical cards and virtual cards issued by HMC, integrating passenger identification data for automated fare control.
The rollout will take place in three phases:
Phase 1: The system will verify and identify users of time-based tickets, such as daily, weekly, and monthly passes, through Citizen ID, the VNeID app, or directly at ticket counters for foreign passengers. At fare gates, these passengers will scan their tickets and complete facial recognition to enter. Single-ticket users, however, can pass through without biometric verification. EMV chip payment cards will also be accepted for "tap-and-go" access. Senior citizens can travel using their chip-based Citizen ID and facial recognition, without needing a paper ticket.
Phase 2: Identified single tickets will be introduced through the Hanoi Metro app and station kiosks. Passengers will use facial recognition to access the gates. If biometric data already exists in the city's integrated e-ticketing system, it will be used automatically for verification. This phase will also introduce an API platform that connects directly with the VNeID app, allowing passengers to buy tickets conveniently through it.
Phase 3: The final stage aims to make biometric verification mandatory for all passengers entering and exiting stations, gradually phasing out non-identified single tickets. Passengers whose biometric data are not yet stored in the system will provide it once at a station kiosk or during single e-ticket registration.
The city plans to extend biometric ticketing to all time-based users and pilot the technology for foreign passengers using passports, EMV cards, or e-wallets./.
