Metro Line 1 is a turning point in the city's transportation.

(NLDO) - Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai affirmed that Metro Line 1 is not only a traffic project but also a symbol of the city's desire for innovation.

On the afternoon of December 27, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai and Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong had a working session with the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR). This is an important meeting to assess the operation of Metro Line No. 1 after nearly a week of official operation.

Chủ tịch Phan Văn Mãi: — Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai during a working session with units to assess the operation of Metro Line 1.

Reporting at the meeting, Mr. Le Minh Triet, Director of Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1), said that by the end of December 26, Metro Line No. 1 had transported more than 467,545 passengers, with a total of 977 trains operating. This number exceeded the original plan by 37 trips due to the sudden increase in demand on the opening days and Christmas.

Mr. Triet said that in the first days of operation, the staff had to work at high intensity to meet the large number of customers but still maintain high spirits. HURC1 has established a special task force to coordinate with relevant units and local authorities to promptly resolve any arising situations.

However, some limitations have been noted, such as passengers bringing food and drinks on board, causing unsanitary conditions. The company recommends that people use bottled water instead of drinking in plastic cups to protect the environment.

In addition, HURC1 also proposed that the City People's Committee grant authorization to the Department of Transport to increase the number of trains when necessary. At the same time, the company proposed installing automatic water vending machines in the station to better serve passengers.

Regarding the issue of parking lots for Metro passengers, Mr. Phan Cong Bang, Head of MAUR, said that some parking lots such as the one at 23/9 Park are often overloaded. MAUR has proposed that the Department of Transport expand temporary parking lots to meet the demand.

Mr. Bang also reported on the handover of the operating power system from contractor Hitachi to HURC1, and proposed to consolidate power management at stations and train vehicles to the Public Transport Management Center under the Department of Transport to ensure technical consistency.

During the meeting, the leaders of the City People's Committee also discussed the plan to implement cashless payments on Metro Line 1 from January 22, 2025. The official inauguration ceremony of the metro line is expected to be held on March 9, 2025. MAUR will coordinate with the organizing units to complete the plan and report to the City People's Committee before January 20, 2025.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai emphasized that Metro Line 1 is the pride of the city, marking a historic turning point in urban transport development. This success is the result of the tireless efforts of many generations of leaders, officials and related employees.

Mr. Phan Van Mai affirmed that Metro Line No. 1 is not only a traffic project but also a symbol of the city's desire for innovation and modernization. The Chairman of the City People's Committee requested departments, branches, sectors and operating units to continue promoting the spirit of solidarity, creativity, and effectively operating Metro Line No. 1, while also researching and contributing to the expansion of the city's urban railway network with a total expected length of more than 350 km.

At the end of the working session, Chairman of the City People's Committee Phan Van Mai awarded prizes to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in the project implementation process. At the same time, he directed relevant units to promptly resolve the remaining recommendations of the 12 contractors before March 9, 2025. The Chairman of the City People's Committee also emphasized that in the initial operation phase, minor problems are inevitable. However, units need to proactively coordinate to quickly overcome them, ensure safety and improve the experience for passengers.

Some photos of the working session on the afternoon of December 27:

Chairman of the City People's Committee Phan Van Mai awarded certificates of merit to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in the Metro Line 1 project.