Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling metropolis, has officially inaugurated its first metro line, marking a significant step in the city’s transportation history. The project, known as Metro Line No. 1, consists of a 19.7-kilometer route that extends from Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to the Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City. This metro line, which opened to the public on December 22, 2024, was a long-awaited development, taking 12 years to complete since its inception in 2012.
Costing approximately VND 43.7 trillion, equivalent to $1.72 billion, the metro line includes 11 elevated stations and three underground stations at Ben Thanh, Opera House, and Ba Son in District 1. This project aims to offer a modern and efficient transportation alternative for the city’s 10 million residents. As the first of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City, the metro line is expected to relieve traffic congestion and improve connectivity between key areas.
The opening day saw thousands of visitors eager to experience the city’s new transit system. People started gathering at Ben Thanh Station, the largest on the line, as early as 7 a.m., although the official opening took place at 10 a.m. The inaugural service was free of charge for all passengers, a gesture meant to encourage residents to try the metro and familiarize themselves with this new mode of transport.
Ho Chi Minh City officials expressed optimism about the impact of the metro on local transportation. The city’s Vice Chairman, Bui Xuan Cuong, highlighted the metro’s potential to transform the public transit network, saying it caters to residents’ need for a quick and efficient travel option. Cuong also emphasized the project’s role as a symbol of cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, with both countries having contributed significantly to its realization.
The metro’s launch also comes with plans for an accompanying electric bus network. In an effort to promote eco-friendly transportation, the city plans to deploy 150 electric buses across 17 routes that connect with the metro line. This initiative aligns with Ho Chi Minh City’s broader plan to have a 100% electric bus network by 2030.
Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki also attended the opening ceremony and remarked on the importance of the metro line for urban development. He noted that Metro Line No. 1 should enhance connectivity in high-traffic areas and encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, fostering sustainable urban growth.
During the first month of operations, free rides on the metro and associated electric bus routes are offered as a promotional gesture. After this period, the fare structure will be implemented, with single-ride tickets costing between VND 7,000 and VND 20,000, depending on the distance. There will be options for cashless payments and different ticket packages, such as one-day, three-day, and monthly passes.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line No. 1 serves as a foundational step in expanding the city’s urban rail system. The city plans to continue developing its metro network with additional lines that aim to further improve urban mobility and reduce reliance on road vehicles.