Before metro line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) officially opens at the end of 2024, Ho Chi Minh City has planned to organize bus routes, shuttle buses, bicycles and build parking lots, pedestrian overpasses... to connect with the metro.
Convenient for the people
According to observations by reporters from Giao Thong Newspaper, in mid-November, along Metro Line 1, both inside underground and elevated stations, signage and ticket purchasing instructions have been installed. Nine pedestrian overpasses connecting the stations are basically complete. The city has also organized parking areas to facilitate people using the service.
Ben Thanh Station is the "heart" of metro line 1, located near 23/9 Park, making it easy for passengers to park their motorbikes and cars to access the metro.
The Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center announced that 61 bus routes connecting metro stations are expected to be operational once the metro system is put into service. In addition to buses, Ho Chi Minh City also has 43 bicycle stations, with plans to add two more locations on the sidewalk of Pham Ngu Lao Street (near the intersection) and the sidewalk of 23/9 Park.
Among the 61 bus routes connecting to Metro Line 1: Ben Thanh Station (27 routes); City Theatre Station (1 route); Ba Son Station (6 routes); Van Thanh Station (3 routes); Tan Cang Station (13 routes); Thao Dien Station (10 routes); An Phu Station (7 routes); Rach Chiec Station (7 routes); Phuoc Long Station (6 routes); Binh Thai Station (9 routes); Thu Duc Station (6 routes); High-Tech Park Station (9 routes); Suoi Tien Station (12 routes); Eastern Bus Station (10 routes).
In addition, Ho Chi Minh City is developing a plan to use shuttle buses to transport passengers to and from five interprovincial bus stations within the city.
"I think the metro line is not just a transportation project, but also a source of pride for the city. A developing city needs modern transportation to enhance its appearance, reduce congestion, and bring convenience to its people," expressed Ms. Nguyen Hoang Anh (53 years old, residing in District 1).
Meanwhile, Mr. Tran Minh Tuan (35 years old, residing in Thu Duc) expressed his expectations for the effectiveness of Metro Line 1: "Hopefully, the metro line will help solve the traffic congestion problem to some extent. However, for the metro to operate effectively, its connection with other public transportation needs to be implemented synchronously."
Ready for official operation
These days, people in Ho Chi Minh City, when traveling along Vo Nguyen Giap Street and crossing the Saigon Bridge, can see metro trains continuously operating overhead. The Metro Line 1 Company (the operator of the line) announced that from November 11th to 17th, they conducted trial runs at 100% capacity.
Long Binh Depot of Metro Line 1, the line's end point, serves as a service and maintenance station for the entire line.
Fifteen trains run continuously from morning to night with a minimum frequency of 4 minutes and 30 seconds, each train having a maximum capacity of 930 passengers. Technical systems such as tracks, signals, electricity, and air conditioning are rigorously inspected and closely monitored by a team of engineers.
In addition, emergency scenarios such as power outages, train stops, or evacuations were thoroughly rehearsed to ensure safety. Simultaneously, staff at Metro Line 1 stations were mobilized to assist passengers, handle unexpected situations, and provide guidance on using the facilities at the stations.
"At this point, we can confidently say that Metro Line 1 is ready for official operation," said a representative of Metro Line 1 Co., Ltd.
Explore the city on trains.
Being on the test train, Giao thong Newspaper reporters felt that metro line 1 not only marks a new step forward in the public transport system but also opens up a completely new perspective to explore Ho Chi Minh City.
The pedestrian bridge on Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Thu Duc City is nearing completion, facilitating convenient crossing for passengers and access to train stations.
In addition, the train stations are convenient stopping points, connecting to the city's popular attractions, bustling shopping centers, and exciting entertainment areas.
Ben Thanh Station is considered the "heart" of the entire line, allowing visitors to easily connect with Ben Thanh Market - the city's iconic landmark, the vibrant Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, and the ancient Notre Dame Cathedral.
At the City Theatre station, locals and tourists can admire the beauty of French architecture, explore the bustling Dong Khoi street, enjoy coffee at cafes with a distinct artistic style, and easily access prominent landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and Bach Dang Wharf, which offer spacious surroundings and beautiful riverside views.
At Thao Dien station, it's an ideal destination for those who love a youthful and modern atmosphere. From here, visitors can easily reach the Thao Dien Western Quarter, enjoy international cuisine at restaurants, and explore trendy shopping areas.
At Suoi Tien station, nearing the end of the journey, visitors will arrive at Suoi Tien Cultural Park - one of the largest amusement parks in Vietnam. Additionally, tourists can also visit the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, one of the country's leading prestigious universities…
Ticket prices start from 6,000 VND per trip.
On the afternoon of November 21st, information from the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR) indicated that Metro Line 1 has completed 100% of its construction and is currently undergoing procedures for commercial operation. The official opening date is December 22nd.
On the same day, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee issued metro fare regulations in the form of single-trip tickets, time-based tickets (for use within one or three days), and monthly passes.
For single-trip tickets, if paying with cash, the fare ranges from 7,000 to 20,000 VND (depending on the distance). If paying without cash, the fare will range from 6,000 to 19,000 VND.
Regarding ticket prices, a one-day pass costs 40,000 VND per person (unlimited trips within the day), and a three-day pass costs 90,000 VND per person (unlimited trips within the three days).
For monthly passes, the price is 300,000 VND per person for regular passengers (unlimited trips per month). For students, the monthly pass price is 150,000 VND per person, equivalent to 5,000 VND per day.
Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/tphcm-len-phuong-an-ket-noi-tuyen-metro-so-1-192241121223217207.htm
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