Phan Van Tai, a ticketing staff at the station, used a loudspeaker to instruct everyone to queue orderly, avoid pushing, and move correctly. Since the metro’s operation, nearly 40 staff members and volunteers at this station have worked non-stop.
Ngo Van Cong, 43, and his family, who visited from Mekong Delta Can Tho City, took photos to commemorate their first metro ride.
“Despite the long wait, everyone was excited,” he said.
Nguyen Ngoc Anh, a 20-year-old student from HCMC's Go Vap district, came to the station to try the metro after taking photos at Ben Thanh Market. Planning to travel to Suoi Tien station, Anh said: “I’ve been waiting nearly two hours and still haven’t boarded the train. I didn’t expect it to be this crowded today.”
Two-year-old Quynh Anh sat on her father’s shoulders. Many children sat on the floor, tired from waiting.
Starting Thursday, passengers can use QR codes, Mastercard, or ID cards to board the metro. The line is currently in its fare-free phase until Jan. 20, after which passengers can purchase single ride, one-day, three-day, or monthly passes.
Truong Hue, 58, from Dak Nong in the Central Highlands, filmed her metro ride. She took the opportunity to experience the metro during her visit to her children in HCMC.
Queuing nearly three hours for a round trip from Tan Cang station to Ben Thanh (four stops) and back, she said: “Ever since I saw how modern the metro is on TV, I had to try it and take photos for my family.”
Five-year-old Trong Khang was held by his mother. The two took a taxi from their home to Binh Thai station in Thu Duc City and waited nearly an hour to board the train.
17 electric bus routes connecting the stations along the metro line and other parts of the city have been introduced, with 150 electric buses running from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, facilitating access to the metro. Parking lots are also available at the stations.
Operations of the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line commenced on Dec. 22 after 17 years of planning and 12 years of construction. The line, spanning 19.7 km with 14 stations, three of which are underground in the city center, welcomed over 900,000 passengers in its first eight days, as reported by Urban Railway Company No. 1.
