Number of visitors 5 times more than expected

(NLDO) - The metro line welcomed more than 150,000 passengers, 5 times higher than the original plan of only 27,000 passengers with 200 trains.

On the afternoon of December 23, the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Project Management Board and Metro Line 1 Operation Company held a press conference after the first official operation day of Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien.

Many people experience metro line 1 - Photo: HOANG TRIEU

Mr. Le Minh Triet, Director of Metro Line 1 Operation Company, said that on the second day of operation, the line operated 124 trains, serving about 14,000 passengers from 5am to 4pm. Previously, on the first day of official operation, the line recorded 177 trains, welcoming a large number of passengers thanks to falling on the weekend.

"We are very pleased with the warm welcome of the people. This is a positive signal for public transport in Ho Chi Minh City" - Mr. Triet shared.

The large number of passengers on the first day forced the trains to operate at full capacity, the staff worked continuously but still full of excitement. The company has set up a working group to coordinate with related units and local authorities to promptly handle any situations that arise during operation.

In addition to the support, some limitations were also noted, such as the situation of passengers bringing food and drinks on board, causing unsanitary conditions. Mr. Triet recommended that people use bottled water instead of plastic cups to preserve the common environment.

Regarding the issue of delays, Mr. Triet admitted that there were delays of a few minutes on the first day due to special trains and a large number of passengers at the stations. However, the operator has flexibly adjusted the frequency to 8-12 minutes/trip and increased the number of trips when necessary to meet demand.

Regarding the facilities at the station, Mr. Phan Cong Bang, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Project Management Board, said that he is proposing that the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee install automatic water vending machines in front of some stations and is expected to complete them before Tet.

Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien is 19.7 km long, connecting the center of District 1 with the eastern areas such as Binh Thanh and Thu Duc City. This is the first metro line in Ho Chi Minh City, expected to reduce traffic pressure on major routes such as Hanoi Highway and bring many economic, social and environmental benefits.

In the first phase, the metro operates from 5am to 10pm daily, with a total of 200 trips per day. Each train has a maximum capacity of 930 passengers, reaching speeds of 110km/h on the elevated section and 80km/h on the underground section.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/metro-so-1-van-hanh-ngay-dau-luong-khach-gap-5-lan-du-kien-196241223202101228.htm