I decide to walk to metro stations after seeing how fit people are in Taiwan

The idea of walking long distances just to catch a train felt inconvenient and unnecessary. I preferred using my motorbike, thinking it was faster and more convenient.

However, living abroad opened my eyes to a different perspective. In Taiwan, I saw how people willingly walked to metro stations as part of their daily routine. Whether for work, school, or travel, walking wasn’t just a means of getting to the train—it was also a way to stay active and healthy. This realization completely changed my attitude.

At first, the habit of hopping on my motorbike seemed like the obvious choice, especially during hot summer afternoons or after a long day. But I soon noticed how frequent traffic jams, particularly during rush hour, turned a short motorbike ride into a frustrating ordeal. In comparison, walking to the station was not only simpler but also less stressful.

People wait along the metro line track in Ho Chi Minh City, Dec. 22, 2024. Photo by VnExpress

This habit of walking is not unique to Taiwan. In South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand, people embrace walking to metro stations as part of their daily lives. Their efficient metro systems are the result of decades of effort—research, construction, and constant improvement. Vietnam, too, must take this path to develop a reliable urban transportation system.

When I first began walking regularly, I observed how locals in Taiwan—young and old alike—maintained their fitness and health through their walking routines. Their energy and physical fitness inspired me to make walking a part of my own commute. Over time, I found that it not only benefited my health but also saved me time and stress by avoiding traffic congestion.

If we continue to resist walking to metro stations—complaining about the weather, the distances, or the time it takes—our cities will remain choked with traffic. Embracing walking requires a shift in mindset. It’s a small change that can lead to significant improvements, both in personal health and urban life.

For Ho Chi Minh City's metro system to succeed in alleviating traffic congestion and transforming urban living, a collective effort is needed. We must start with the simple act of walking.

*This reflection is shared by kevinton150691, inspired by the article "I ride 18 km on HCMC's first metro line in just 26 minutes".