Ho Chi Minh City may soon turn metro stations into shopping, cafe hubs

The Department of Industry and Trade submitted the proposal to HCMC Urban Railway No.1 company (HURC1) on July 28, after Saigon Co.op suggested offering essential retail services at metro stops.

The nearly 20-kilometer line, which has 14 stations: three underground and 11 elevated, currently serves mainly as a transit link, with few shopping, dining or entertainment options for commuters.

Officials say adding commercial activities could not only generate revenue but also make public transit more appealing. Similar models are widely used in Japan, South Korea and Singapore, where metro stations double as shopping and leisure destinations.

With the city planning to expand its metro network to 355 kilometers by 2035, officials see early development of retail and service hubs around stations as key to stimulating consumer spending and making the most of urban infrastructure.

Saigon Co.op has proposed piloting a quick-service retail model tailored to metro passengers. The Department of Industry and Trade recommended the retailer work directly with HURC1 to integrate the plan into the metro operations strategy.

Since launching in December 2024, with free fares during its first month, the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien line has served more than 10 million passengers, averaging over 52,300 daily trips, surpassing ridership targets.