HCMC Metro Line 1 Officially Launches Commercial Passenger Service Across 14 Stations

HO CHI MINH CITY — In a momentous milestone for Vietnam's southern economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City has officially commenced full commercial operations on Metro Line 1, linking the historic Ben Thanh Market in District 1 with Suoi Tien Theme Park and Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City.

A Modern Transit Era for 10 Million Residents

Spanning 19.7 kilometers with 14 state-of-the-art stations (3 underground and 11 elevated), the Japanese-engineered mass transit railway delivers a swift 29-minute journey end-to-end, slashing commute times that previously exceeded an hour during peak traffic.

"Metro Line 1 is not merely a modern train line; it represents the beginning of Ho Chi Minh City's green, multi-modal transport transformation designed to ease congestion and elevate quality of life for millions," remarked municipal transport authorities during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Key Operational Highlights

• High Frequency: Modern 3-car trainsets running every 4.5 to 8 minutes during morning and evening rush hours.
• Smart Ticketing: Contactless IC smart cards, QR code mobile integration, and multi-journey tourist passes.
• Intermodal Hubs: Feeder bus connections, park-and-ride facilities, and sheltered pedestrian bridges at all elevated stations.

Municipal planners are already accelerating work on Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh - Tham Luong), laying the foundation for an integrated 8-line metropolitan rail grid across Greater Saigon over the coming decade.