HCMC metro's popularity forces me to wake up early to beat the crowd

After reading an article about the benefits of switching from personal vehicles to public transit, I decided to give the metro a try. It’s been only a few days, but the experience has reshaped my morning routine.

Previously, I would wake up at 5:45 a.m., leave home at 6:10 a.m., and ride my motorbike downtown for work. Now, using the metro means waking up 15 minutes earlier at 5:30 a.m. and leaving home by 6 a.m. to make it to the station on time. Though less convenient at first glance, the trade-off is worth it—I no longer face the stress of navigating traffic jams at major intersections.

Even at the high-tech park station, the third stop from Suoi Tien station, the train is already crowded by 6:10 a.m. Most passengers are not tourists; they are office workers with backpacks or briefcases, heading downtown. At later stations like Phuoc Long, Rach Chiec, and An Phu, more passengers board, including high school students, adding to the bustling atmosphere.

I initially wondered if metro tickets would sell well, but my concerns have disappeared. The demand for travel between downtown HCMC and Thu Duc during rush hours is enormous. The Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line is not just a symbol of progress—it’s become an essential part of the city’s transportation network.

The metro’s benefits are clear. It reduces traffic congestion and provides a more relaxed and efficient commuting option. Over the past few days, I’ve noticed fewer motorbikes on roads like Vo Nguyen Giap and Hanoi Highway, a promising sign for the city’s traffic woes.

However, there’s still room for improvement. For the metro to reach its full potential, the city needs to address issues with pedestrian infrastructure. Sidewalks need to be cleared of street vendors and illegally parked motorbikes, providing safe, open walkways for people to reach metro stations.

If these issues are resolved, I believe the metro will become the preferred choice for many, marking a transformative step forward for public transportation in Ho Chi Minh City.