Metro No. 1 is crowded from morning to afternoon, in just 6 hours more than 54,000 people boarded the train.

At 10:00 AM on December 22nd, Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) officially commenced operations, receiving a strong positive response from the city's residents. According to statistics, there were 42,108 passengers in the 4-hour run, and this number continues to increase.

Crowds of people wait at the Ben Thanh underground station (part of metro line 1) on the afternoon of December 22nd - Photo: CHAU TUAN

Later that same day, Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 Company Limited (themetro operator) reported that between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, there were 44 train journeys carrying approximately 42,108 passengers. This number is still increasing.

By 4 PM on the same day, there had been 78 trips, carrying approximately 54,600 passengers.

"The Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) will be operational from December 22, 2024. Passengers can use the metro public transport service free of charge for 30 days."

On its opening day, Ben Thanh station is currently overloaded. To ensure a better travel experience and avoid long queues, we encourage people to consider other stations or choose to visit on other days.

"We kindly request that passengers queue in an orderly manner, avoid pushing and shoving, and give way to people with disabilities, the elderly, and children… so that they can have enjoyable and safe train journeys," the representative said.

According to Tuoi Tre Online , by 3:30 PM on the same day, most train stations had received a strong response from the city's residents, especially at Ben Thanh central station, where crowds of people lined up from the station entrance, ticket gates, and platforms.

At peak times, people lined up 300-400 meters around Ben Thanh station to wait to experience the city's first metro line.

People from various places and professions expressed general excitement at experiencing the city's first metro line. Although it was a bit crowded on the first day, they still lined up and waited patiently. - Photo: CHAU TUAN

Many people from neighboring areas and even other provinces and cities have chosen this as the starting point for their experiential journey.

Ms. Nguyen Nhu Thuy (residing in Binh Tan District) shared: "I want to go to Ben Thanh Station because it's the city center, where I can both take the train and take pictures in the modern setting. Although it's quite crowded, the feeling of being immersed in the bustling atmosphere is really enjoyable."

However, the crowds at Ben Thanh station also caused some inconvenience. Long lines formed in the ticket area and at the train boarding gates. Some people reported having to wait 30-45 minutes to enter the station.

Due to the overwhelming number of passengers, the metro operator has advised people to choose alternative stations to board the train. Passengers should consider starting their journey at stations such as Ba Son, Thao Dien, or Suoi Tien to avoid the crowds.

By 3:30 PM on the same day, representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center announced that approximately 2,200 passengers had boarded the newly opened electric bus routes connecting to Metro Line 1. In the following days, these routes will also operate free of charge and synchronize their schedules with Metro Line 1 to facilitate convenient transportation for people traveling by train.

Earlier, in an interview with Tuoi Tre Online , while on the Suoi Tien to Ben Thanh metro train, Phan Cong Bang, head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board, said that this was a major event and would certainly receive attention and support from the public. Starting today, the metro will run free of charge for 30 days.

To avoid congestion at train stations and to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey, people should choose suitable times to travel, and not necessarily rush to travel in large numbers on the first few days.

"The free trial lasts up to 30 days. Also, the metro runs up to 200 trips a day, with a train every 5-10 minutes, so people can enjoy the experience at their leisure," Mr. Bang said.

A huge crowd of people gathered at Ben Thanh station to board trains. (Photo taken on the afternoon of December 22nd - CHAU TUAN)

Happy to be able to ride the metro.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, a resident of Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, said that although he had traveled on metros in many places around the world such as Russia, France, Japan, and even Hanoi, riding Ho Chi Minh City's Metro Line 1 gave him an indescribable feeling. For him, it was a sense of pride and happiness to witness his city, which he has lived in for over 30 years, gradually modernizing, improving transportation, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. "This morning I took a test ride on the metro and I was very happy to see the train rolling after so many years of waiting. I believe that Metro Line 1 will play an important role in developing transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and making travel more convenient for people. However, the metro system needs to be better connected with convenient services such as parking lots at the stations, as well as bus routes connecting to the metro, to create the most favorable conditions for people using this modern means of transport," Mr. Thanh said.

Tuoitre.vn

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/metro-so-1-dong-tu-sang-den-chieu-chi-trong-6-gio-hon-54-000-luot-nguoi-dan-da-len-tau-2024122215511369.htm#content-1