The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has issued a set of regulations on the management and operation of metro lines ahead of the inauguration of its first metro link by the end of the year.

Accordingly, passenger tickets will be divided into two categories – single and presale. 

A single ticket will allow passengers to access only one metro ride within one day, while passengers can take rides for a day or longer with a presale ticket. 

The regulations require that ticket selling systems at metro line stations be designed to provide electric tickets, proactively adjust prices, and ensure passengers can use a variety of payment options, according to the municipal administration. 

They also stipulate that ticket prices shall be publicized and that the rates be dependent on the length of rides. 

Tickets that are not used may be returned or changed.

As per the regulations, the ticketing systems must be public, transparent, and connected with the passenger operation information and monitoring system run by the Ho Chi Minh City Management Center of Public Transport.

Only luggage that meets weight and size limits will be allowed on board.

Train staff members are responsible for informing urban railway management units and the nearest station of cases in which passengers are too sick to continue their rides so that the ill passengers can receive prompt medical attention.

Moreover, a customer feedback system will be developed.

Passengers will be able to use alternative trains or other vehicles if their trips are cut short due to technical issues.

Other regulations include policies ensuring that station names reflect local places, historical and cultural features, and traditional customs.

The placement of bus stops, bus stations, and parking lots near metro stations must also be prioritized.

On Monday, the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) launched a campaign to finalize the work and procedures necessary to begin commercial operations of metro line No. 1 by December 22.

The 50-day campaign was kick-started in response to the directions of national government and city leaders so that the metro line can officially operate by the end of this year after several delays.

MAUR head Phan Cong Bang said that all relevant units would work without a day-off during the campaign to ensure its success.

The first metro line is 19.7 kilometers long, including 2.6 kilometers of underground urban rail link and 17.1 kilometers of elevated track.

It runs from Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City – a district-level administrative unit of Ho Chi Minh City – through three underground stations and 11 stops above the ground.

The line has a total of 17 trains, each capable of accommodating 930 passengers, including 147 sitting and 783 standing.

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