Metro trains carried a record high of over 175,000 passengers on Saturday, the seventh day of the operation of Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line.

The ridership far exceeded the 150,000 passengers recorded on the first day of its launch earlier this month.

After seven days of operation, Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line has received strong support from residents, according to its operator, Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway No. 1 Company Limited.

Many commuters have already incorporated the metro into their daily routines for work and school, while others were eager to experience this new mode of public transportation in the bustling southern metropolis.

Between December 22 and 28, the metro served over 707,160 passengers, with more than 175,000 riding on the seventh day alone -- far exceeding the initially estimated daily ridership of around 40,000.

Ben Thanh Underground Station consistently drew large crowds, prompting the company to deploy maximum staff and volunteers to assist passengers in navigating the service.

The operator also expressed concerns about littering at stations, cleanliness on metro trains, and train delays.

In recent days, some passengers have eaten and drunk on the trains, leaving them dirty, damaging their appearance, and inconveniencing fellow riders, the operator noted.

Overcrowding has occasionally delayed trains, as packed platforms prevented doors from closing properly.

To maintain cleanliness and avoid disruptions, passengers are advised not to bring plastic cups that can easily spill or food with strong odors onto the trains or platforms. Bottled water is recommended as a cleaner alternative.

Metro line No. 1, stretching 19.7 kilometers from Ben Thanh Station in District 1 to Suoi Tien Coach Station in Thu Duc City, officially began operations on December 22, marking a historic milestone in the development of urban transport for Ho Chi Minh City after 12 years of construction.

The line features 17 trains, each with a capacity of 930 passengers -- 147 seated and 783 standing.

During the initial phase, nine trains operate daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, providing 200 trips per day.

Each trip lasts approximately 30 minutes, with intervals between trains ranging from eight to 12 minutes.

For the first 30 days, passengers can enjoy free rides on the metro line.

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