HCMC – The HCMC Department of Industry and Trade has proposed a pilot program to provide essential goods and services at stations along Metro Line No.1, which connects Ben Thanh Market and Suoi Tien Theme Park, aiming to better serve passengers and boost the city’s retail market.
In a recent document sent to HCMC Urban Railway No.1 Company Limited (HURC1), the department suggested studying the feasibility of implementing this model at metro stations.
The proposal follows an initiative by the Saigon Union of Trading Cooperatives in May, which called for trialing such a model to meet the daily shopping needs of passengers and support retail market development.
Based on this, the Department of Industry and Trade requested HURC1 to incorporate the pilot model into its infrastructure operation plan and submit it to the HCMC People’s Committee for approval.
According to the department, utilizing commercial space at metro stations would generate economic value while improving customer appeal by integrating payment, shopping, and entertainment services.
The integration of commerce and services within the metro space is expected to help form new retail centers and contribute to urban economic development.
Drawing from international practices, the department noted that metro stations in countries and territories such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore are often planned as high-density areas with a mix of functions to enhance passenger experience.
Metro Line No.1 has been operational since late 2024. With a total length of nearly 20 kilometers and a long-term target of expanding the network to 335 kilometers by 2035, the city aims to leverage transit infrastructure to foster commercial development and urban growth.
The department underscored the importance of modern commercial infrastructure around metro stations to serve commuters and residents, encourage domestic consumption, and fuel the local market.
