A Major Leap in HCM City’s Public Transport
On Sunday, Vietnam’s southern metropolis, HCM City, made a groundbreaking advancement in its public transport system with the official launch of the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien Metro line. This monumental event marks the culmination of 17 years of planning and 12 years of construction, finally connecting the bustling Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to the Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City.
Significance of the Launch
During the opening ceremony, Bui Xuan Cuong, vice chairman of the People’s Committee, stated, ‘The inauguration of this metro line today marks a significant milestone in the advancement of public transportation within the city.’ He emphasized that the line is designed to meet the city’s growing travel demands and support a modern public transportation framework.
Vietnam-Japan Cooperation
Ito Naoki, Japan’s Ambassador to Vietnam, also spoke at the event, highlighting the project’s significance in promoting public transport. ‘The success of Metro Line 1 will act as a catalyst for additional projects and developments within the city,’ he remarked.
Free Rides and Ticket Pricing
To celebrate its opening, the metro line will offer free rides to passengers for the first month. The service will also include 17 electric bus routes that connect with the metro. After the introductory period, ticket options will be introduced, ranging from VND7,000 (US$0.27) to VND20,000 (US$0.79) for single rides, depending on distance. Educational concessions will be available, with a 50% discount for students, making the monthly pass VND150,000.
Operational Details
Initially, the metro will operate nine trains daily from 5 am to 10 pm, resulting in about 200 trips a day. Each train comprises three carriages, accommodating 930 passengers, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes between the two terminals.
Reactions from Passengers
Local citizens expressed their joy and anticipation for the new metro line. ‘I can hardly believe I’m finally riding the metro in HCM City! After all the delays, this moment feels like a dream come true,’ said Pham The Anh, a resident who experienced the launch day journey.
Another delighted passenger, Luu Ngoc Bich, exclaimed, ‘Living in Thu Duc, I never thought I’d be able to reach Ben Thanh Market in just half an hour! It’s amazing.’
Future of Public Transportation in Vietnam
Approved in 2007, the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line faced numerous delays before becoming operational. With an investment of VND43.7 trillion ($1.72 billion), the 19.7 km line includes 14 stations, three of which are underground in the city center. This historic development aims to tackle the traffic congestion caused by Vietnam’s strong motorbike culture.
As HCM City moves forward, the need for effective public transportation grows ever clearer. Will the success of the metro line lead to a new era in urban mobility for Vietnamese cities? Only time will tell.
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