HCMC’s first metro line serves 1.4 million passengers in 11 days

By Gia Minh January 1, 2025 | 11:59 pm PT

People wait to ride a metro train at the Binh Thai Station in HCMC, Jan. 1, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line, the first in Ho Chi Minh City, welcomed 1.4 million passengers within its first 11 days of operation, a 332% increase from previous expectations.

On New Year's Day alone, the line served 275,000 passengers, six times the anticipated number, according to the HCMC Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1).

The surge in ridership was attributed to heightened travel demand during the New Year holiday, prompting operators to increase the number of train journeys. On Jan. 1, the metro completed 247 rides, 47 more than the daily average, with intervals between trains reduced from the usual 10-12 minutes to eight minutes between 10:48 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Since its official launch on Dec. 22, the metro line has operated 2,229 train rides, or an average of 200 trips per day.

Passengers currently enjoy complimentary services without the need for tickets. Staff are stationed at platforms to assist and guide riders boarding trains along the 20-kilometer route, which connects Suoi Tien Station in Thu Duc City to Ben Thanh Station in District 1.

The metro operates from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with trains running every 8 to 12 minutes. Service schedules are adjusted on weekends and holidays to meet increased demand.

The free-ride period will continue until Jan. 20, after which ticketed services will commence.

Fares are set between VND7,000 and VND20,000 (27 to 79 U.S. cents) per trip, with monthly passes available for up to VND300,000. Discounts will be offered for students, who can avail monthly passes at half price, while elderly and disabled passengers will be eligible for free travel.