JCB International, the international operations subsidiary of Japan’s JCB, and Hanoi Metro, the operator of the city’s metro railway, have signed a memorandum of understanding to introduce JCB transit on Hanoi’s urban railway network.

In a statement on Thursday, JCB International said JCB cardmembers will be able to tap their JCB contactless cards or compatible devices directly at metro fare gates. This can remove the need to buy a separate transit ticket or carry cash.

The service can make travel easier for international visitors, including travellers from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. They say such visitors can use the familiar payment method when travelling on Hanoi’s metro.

Takumi Takahashi, executive vice president of JCB International, said the company was pleased to work with Hanoi Metro to introduce JCB transit. He hoped the service would bring greater convenience to JCB cardmembers and help build a modern and cashless public transport system in Vietnam.

The two companies will continue preparations, with the launch targeted for early 2027.

The move is part of JCB’s effort to expand contactless payment for public transport and to support cashless payments in Vietnam. JCB has already introduced contactless transit payments in other cities, including Taipei, Taichung, and Madrid. Hanoi’s metro already accepts Visa open-loop contactless payments, according to industry reports.

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