Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line exceeds targets after 7 months of operation

The number of passengers reached nearly 10.4 million, exceeding the target by 133.5 percent. 

On average, the metro line served around 52,300 passengers daily.

The figures recorded since the launch on December 22, 2024 are even higher.

Stations have seen a bustling atmosphere, especially during peak hours.

Many commuters shared that they have grown accustomed to using the metro daily, particularly for commuting to and from work.

Le Thanh Huy, a local office worker, said metro line No. 1 is punctual, cool, and clean, which is why he switched from motorbike to metro.

However, trains often get crowded during rush hour, so more trips would be great, Huy suggested.

In response to growing passenger demand, the Ho Chi Minh City Management Center of Public Transport under the Department of Construction recently announced an increase in train frequency.

The number of daily train trips has risen to 226 from 200. 

The number of trains operating from Monday to Friday has increased to 11 from nine, while weekends will continue with nine trains per day.

Train intervals have also been shortened: Monday through Friday, trains arrive every seven to 12 minutes, compared to the previous eight-minute peak and 12-minute off-peak intervals. 

On weekends, trains run every eight to 12 minutes.

Metro line No. 1 stretches approximately 20 kilometers, from Ben Thanh Station in the city center to Suoi Tien Coach Station, covering 14 stations.

It includes 2.6 kilometers of underground rail and 17.1 kilometers of elevated track, built at a total cost of US$1.8 billion.

Construction on the metro line project began in 2012, and the line began commercial operations on December 22, 2024.

The line has 17 Japanese-manufactured trains with each being 62 meters long and able to carry 930 passengers, including 147 seating and 783 standing guests.