Vietnam's Party leader takes ride on HCMC metro line

Accompanying him were Politburo member and Secretary of HCMC Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chief of the Party Central Committee's Office Le Hoai Trung, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

During his journey from Ben Thanh to Tan Cang station, Lam engaged with passengers who enthusiastically shared their experience using the modern public transit system. Commuters said it helps reduce travel time, meet their travel demand, while improving living quality.

The 19.7-kilometer metro line, connecting downtown HCMC to its eastern gateway, features 14 stations, three underground and 11 elevated, plus a depot. The project, approved in 2007, had a total investment of over VND43.7 trillion (US$1.71 billion). Construction on the line began in 2012.

Since its official launch on Dec. 22 last year, the line has served more than 4.6 million passengers. Single-ride fares range from VND7,000 to 20,000, contingent upon the distance traveled while monthly passes are available at VND300,000, with students eligible for a 50% discount. Free rides are offered to children under six, people who rendered service to the nation, seniors over 60, and individuals with disabilities.

Beyond alleviating traffic congestion in the city center, the line catalyzes urban expansion eastward, contributing to HCMC's sustainable socio-economic development. The municipal People’s Committee sees the system not only as a modern urban transport solution but also a symbol of the city's aspirations for growth, integration, and sustainable development.