First metro line starts operation in Ho Chi Minh City

The metro line comprises 14 stations with a total length of 19.7km. It has 17 trains with a length of more than 60 meters, each train has three cars, accommodating 930 passengers (147 sitting passengers and 783 standing passengers).

With an investment of VND 43.7 trillion VND (US$1.72 billion), the project was approved in 2007, taking 17 years to begin operations due to various reasons, including financial constraints, during its implementation.

After the free period, passengers can buy tickets for VND40,000 (US$1.66) per person per day, with no limit on trips. A monthly ticket price is US$12.50 per person. Students are charged half.

In the first phase, on average, there are nine trains operating every day, from 5am to 10pm with about 200 trips.

It takes about 30 minutes for the distance from Suoi Tien Terminal (near Mien Dong New Bus Station, Thu Duc city) to Ben Thanh in District 1.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki said that Metro Line 1 was Japan's largest official development assistance loan for Viet Nam. He expressed his respect and appreciation for Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board and the Japanese companies that implemented this project. 

Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong said that the metro line was not only a modern urban transportation scheme, but also a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City's growth, integration and sustainable development.

The project marks an important milestone in realising public transportation system planning, meeting the needs of people to move quickly, contributing to reducing traffic pressure and environmental pollution. 

"This journey is not only proof of the persistent efforts of the city government, but also demonstrates the effective cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan,” Bui said./.