Why is metro line 1 free but still needs QR code?

From January 2, 2025, HURC1 officially deployed the passenger control and management system at stations of metro line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien).

This is an important preparation phase to ensure stable operation of Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line during the free trial period from December 22, 2024 to January 20, 2025.

Vì sao metro số 1 miễn phí nhưng vẫn cần mã QR?- Ảnh 1. — This is an important testing phase of metro line 1 - Photo: HOANG TRIEU

For the convenience of passengers, the electronic ticket system has been deployed in the form of QR code generation. According to instructions from the Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1), passengers only need to download the HCMC Metro HURC application, then use this application to generate a QR code to enter and exit the station. In addition, from December 22, 2024 to January 9, 2025, customers can use Mastercard cards to scan directly at the control gate. HURC1 also supports opening a free bank card right at the station via citizen identification card (CCCD) or VNeID application.

From January 10, 2025, passengers will have more options to pay by Visa, JCB, American Express, Union Pay, Napas cards. In particular, from January 20, 2025, chip-embedded ID cards can also be used for direct scanning when taking the metro.

For children and those who need special support, station staff will always be ready to guide and support directly. According to HURC1, in the first days of free operation, metro line 1 has received great attention from people and tourists. On December 22 alone, metro line 1 served more than 150,000 passengers on a total of 177 trains, 2.5 times higher than the number of passengers traveling on the Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro line ( Hanoi ) on its opening day. This number far exceeded initial expectations when HURC1 planned to run only 140 trips with about 27,000 passengers.

On the evening of December 24, the number of passengers on the metro continued to increase on the occasion of Christmas. HURC1 flexibly adjusted the train frequency to meet the demand. By 10:40 p.m., metro train No. 1 had made 220 trips, exceeding the expected 200 trips, serving more than 90,000 passengers, with each train carrying an average of 411 people.

To ensure efficient operation during peak times, HURC1 has published a detailed train schedule. Accordingly, from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the train interval is 8 minutes; from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the interval is 10 minutes. The adjustment of the number of trains and the interval time is carried out flexibly to optimize transportation services for passengers. HURC1 representatives assessed that the initial signals are very positive, showing that metro line 1 has met the travel needs of people and contributed to promoting multimodal transportation in Ho Chi Minh City.

However, during the trial operation phase, there were still some limitations that needed to be overcome. Many passengers did not comply with regulations and brought food and drinks on board, affecting hygiene and the overall experience. In addition, the overloading situation on some trips made it impossible for the train driver to close the door in time, leading to delayed departures.

HURC1 hopes that these issues will gradually improve when the metro line operates stably and people get used to this modern form of transportation. Passengers' support in complying with regulations will contribute to improving the service quality and image of metro line 1 in the public eye.