HCMC – The long-awaited first metro line in HCMC, connecting Ben Thanh Market and Suoi Tien Theme Park, officially commenced operations this morning, December 22, marking a historic milestone in the development of the city’s urban transportation.
The official launch ceremony for the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line took place at the Ben Thanh Central Station in District 1 with around 200 attendees.
Among them were the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, Consul General of Japan in HCMC, representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), officials from relevant ministries and agencies, as well as leaders of HCMC and various departments and organizations.
From 10 a.m. on December 22, residents can access all 14 stations of Metro Line No. 1 without prior registration. The city is offering free rides for 30 days, from December 22 to January 20, 2025, for all metro users.
In the initial phase, the metro line operates daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the first train departing at 5 a.m. and the last at 10 p.m. Each train can accommodate up to 930 passengers, including 147 seated and 783 standing.
Trains run every 8-12 minutes, with a total of 200 trips per day. They travel at 110 km/h on elevated tracks and 80 km/h in underground sections, covering the route from Ben Thanh Station to Suoi Tien Bus Station in 29 minutes.
