The Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line will officially commence operations on Dec. 22.
Prior to the launch, from Dec. 15 to 21, the Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR) allows residents and visitors to experience the metro free of charge by registering online through the unit's official information portal.
During the trial period, the service is available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Passengers arrive at Ben Thanh station early, anticipating the train's 9:30 a.m. departure.
Among them was a group of women from District 7 (pictured), experiencing the metro line for the first time after many years of waiting.
Huynh Le Chau, a member of the group who is an avid traveler having visited many places around the world, praised the HCMC's metro line for its clean spaces, modern train system, connection to bus routes, and convenient access to the city's entertainment spots.
Vu Hoang (L), 30, from Hanoi, said this was his second time experiencing the metro line.
He said the train doors have two layers, creating a sense of security. The stations are designed with a dominant white tone.
"Each station has its own style, like a work of art," said Hoang.
Among the stations he passed, Hoang was impressed with the Thao Dien stop, which has many dining and entertainment complexes.
Phan Gia Hoa, 22, from Binh Thanh District, said some corners outside the station on the morning of Dec. 17 were still cluttered with materials, but when boarding the train, it felt "like traveling to another city".
Hoa said experiencing the metro line before its official opening day made it easier to take beautiful photos.
After nearly 30 minutes of traveling from Ben Thanh station, the train stopped at the last station, Suoi Tien, for about 10 minutes.
Many tourists posed for photos while waiting for the return trip.
Each train with three cars is 61.5 m long and can carry 930 passengers at speeds of 110 kph on the elevated section and 80 kph in the underground section.
Tran Thi Le Hang (L), from Tan Binh District, takes a selfie with her friends at Suoi Tien station.
Hang said that the group arrived early at 7 a.m., drank coffee, had breakfast near Ben Thanh market, and waited until 9:30 a.m. to move down to the underground station to experience it.
"The train arrived on time as announced on the screen, the station was spacious, the waiting seats were comfortable and there were many beautiful photo spots," Hang said, adding that she would choose the metro as a means of transportation and sightseeing in the city in the near future.
Passengers take photos at the lotus skylight at Ben Thanh station.
Currently, trains operate every 8-12 minutes with travel time about 30 minutes, stopping at each station for 30 seconds.
After official operation, passengers can choose from single-trip, one-day, three-day and monthly tickets.
Ticket prices for the metro would vary based on the types of ticket, ranging from VND7,000-20,000 for single rides.
Monthly passes would cost VND300,000, with students getting a 50% discount.
