Metro No. 1 is overloaded, many trips are delayed due to the failure to close the doors.

HCMC - Metro Line 1 is overloaded with passengers at times, causing the train doors to not close, affecting the departure schedule.

Many Metro Line 1 trains were delayed due to overcrowding. Photo: Chi Doan

According to the Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1), yesterday (December 24), Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) attracted great attention from the public at some times due to the Christmas holiday. Although the number of passengers at the elevated stations decreased slightly, the Ben Thanh underground station - the center of Metro Line No. 1 still welcomed a large number of passengers. According to HURC1, on December 24, the initial plan was to operate 200 trips serving about 39,000 passengers, however, in reality, it had to be increased to 220 trips with more than 90,000 passengers. The operating time was also extended to 11 p.m. (instead of just 10 p.m.) to meet demand.

Passengers waiting for Metro train No. 1 at the City Theater station on the evening of December 24. Photo: Minh Quan

According to HURC1 Company, during the operation, Metro Line 1 encountered many difficulties. The situation of passengers eating and drinking on the train affected hygiene and aesthetics, reducing the experience of other passengers. In particular, at some times, the number of passengers was so large that the train driver could not close the door, leading to trips departing later than planned.

In recent days, Metro Line 1 has attracted a lot of visitors. Photo: Anh Tu

The first day of Metro Line 1's commercial operation (December 22) recorded 150,000 passengers, a number that far exceeded expectations. However, on Monday (December 23), the number of passengers decreased to 38,751. Currently, people can experience Metro Line 1 for free for 30 days. Then, from January 21, 2025, the Metro line will officially charge a fee of 6,000 to 20,000 VND/trip, depending on the distance. A monthly ticket for regular passengers costs 300,000 VND, while students only have to pay 150,000 VND. Unlimited-ride tickets for one or three days cost 40,000 VND and 90,000 VND, respectively. Approved in 2007 and started construction in 2012, Metro Line 1 is nearly 20km long, connecting the center of Ho Chi Minh City with the eastern gateway. The entire line has 14 stations, including 11 elevated stations and 3 underground stations, with a total investment of more than 43,700 billion VND.

Laodong.vn

Source: https://laodong.vn/xa-hoi/metro-so-1-qua-tai-nhieu-chuyen-tre-do-khong-dong-duoc-cua-1440375.ldo