Phan Cong Bang, head of HCMC Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR), said on Friday that the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line's electrical and mechanical systems, done by Japan's Hitachi, were designed to Japanese standards but have encountered issues in HCMC's hot and humid climate.
These conditions have caused signal-related flaws, particularly during heavy rains.
For instance, highly sensitive sensors at station gates may react to rain, causing the gates to shut down on their own.
These signal issues are expected to be resolved by the end of March, Bang said.
Employee inexperience has also contributed to operational challenges. Ensuring passenger safety is the top priority, so operational procedures are being conducted with caution, Bang noted.
On Dec. 27, just five days after the line's official launch, a lightning strike at Tan Cang and Binh Thuan stations triggered the metro's electrical safety system, prompting a temporary suspension of operations.
"The lightning strike activated the metro line's electrical safety system, which led to changes to the signal systems. Although the system can automatically be restored, operators switched to manual mode to prioritize safety," Bang said.
He added that more time would be needed before the operation can run smoothly.
Since its inauguration on Dec. 22, the metro line has faced three disruptions linked to signal errors, heavy rains and lightning strikes.
The line is powered thanks to its elevated system, which is known for its safety and high efficiency. The project also makes use of communications-based train control, a technique widely used in many countries. This signal system uses wireless communication to provide data on the trains' position and speed, among other information.
Over the past month, up to 275,000 people rode the metro line per day. The line currently operates nine trains, running from the Suoi Tien Station in Thu Duc City to the Ben Thanh Station in District 1.