Guidelines are rolling out to prepare passengers for riding trains on Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line, scheduled to begin its commercial operations no later than the end of December.

The link stretches from Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City, a district-level administrative unit of the southern metropolis, through three underground stations plus eleven stops above ground.

Van Thi Huu Tam, deputy head of Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway No. 1 Company, said that passengers can access all information regarding train schedules, ticket prices, and stations via the firm’s website and mobile app.

Before riding the metro trains, passengers should stay updated on departure times, routes, and stops on the website to plan their trips accordingly.

“While aboard the metro train, passengers should pay attention to notifications to know when they are near stations as well as how to deal with any issue, if necessary,” she stated.

Passengers are required not to push and shove, to maintain order, and to make way for the disabled, the elderly, children, and pregnant women.

As for luggage on board, passengers should bring only luggage that meets weight and size limits.

They are advised not to have oversized and heavy baggage to facilitate their commutes and avoid obstructing other passengers.

Metro staff must inform designated agencies if any passenger brings dangerous goods on board the train. 

They are also responsible for informing urban railway management units and the nearest station of cases in which passengers are too sick to continue their rides, ensuring the ill passengers receive prompt medical attention. 

In addition, riders can provide feedback and file complaints about staff members on the train, if necessary.

If their trips are cut short due to technical issues and the duration of the repair is undetermined, passengers may be entitled to a replacement ticket or refund.

Ngo Hai Duong, head of the Road Transport Management Division at Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Transport, announced a draft resolution aimed at supporting metro passengers and subsidizing the operation of buses and urban rail lines.

Under the proposal, free rides would be offered to people with disabilities, children under six, senior citizens, and individuals honored for meritorious service.

Passengers using buses connected to the first metro line or riding the metro during its first month of operation would also be eligible for free admission.

To qualify, passengers must obtain a specific boarding pass issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Management Center of Public Transport.

Meanwhile, children under six should show their identity cards to ride the metro train or the bus.

The first metro line embarked on a test run at full design capacity, utilizing 14 trains and three backup trains, from November 11 to 17 in preparation for its commercial service.

Carrying a price tag of VND43.7 trillion (US$1.7 billion), 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.

The metro consists of 17 trains, each capable of accommodating 930 passengers -- 147 sitting and 783 standing.

Manufactured in Japan, the fleet includes three-carriage trains designed to reach speeds of up to 110kph on elevated sections and 80kph on underground sections.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!