HCM City, December 23, 2024 – The Europe Today: Ho Chi Minh City marked a historic milestone on Sunday with the inauguration of its first metro line, the Bến Thành-Suối Tiên Metro, after years of planning and construction. This long-awaited development links Bến Thành Market in District 1 with Suối Tiên Theme Park in Thủ Đức City, representing the first of eight planned routes in the city’s mass transit system.
At the opening ceremony, Bùi Xuân Cương, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee, highlighted the significance of the metro line for public transportation. “After 17 years of planning and 12 years of construction, the inauguration of this metro line today marks a significant milestone in the advancement of public transportation within the city,” he stated.
The metro line is poised to address the growing travel demands of residents while establishing a modern and sustainable public transportation framework. It also symbolizes the strong cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, which supported the project’s completion.
Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki expressed optimism about the project’s impact. “The success of Metro Line 1 will act as a catalyst for additional projects and developments within the city,” he remarked, emphasizing its role in encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transit.
Operational Details and Ticketing
The metro line comprises 17 trains, each consisting of three carriages with a total capacity of 930 passengers. Initially, nine trains will operate daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., making approximately 200 trips with intervals of eight to twelve minutes. The estimated journey time between the terminal stations is 30 minutes, with each station stop lasting about 30 seconds.
Passengers will enjoy free access to the metro during its first month of operation, along with complimentary rides on 17 electric bus routes connected to the system.
Following the introductory phase, ticket options will include single-ride fares ranging from VNĐ7,000 to VNĐ20,000, discounted rates for cashless payments, and monthly passes priced at VNĐ300,000. Students will receive a 50% discount on monthly passes, while the elderly and individuals with disabilities will travel free of charge.
One-day and three-day unlimited travel passes will be available for VNĐ40,000 and VNĐ90,000, respectively.
This significant milestone signals a new era of urban mobility for Ho Chi Minh City, setting the stage for future expansions and further advancements in public transportation.
