Ho Chi Minh City's metro line 1 has impressed passengers with its convenience and the application of new technologies, one of which is the automatic train washing system.

Located at the Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City, the automatic train washing system of metro line No. 1 is an essential part of train maintenance and operation.

This system cleans the metro trains automatically and quickly, with each cleaning cycle taking just 15 minutes.

Luu Cao Huy from the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway No. 1 Co., Ltd. (HURC), the manager of the system, said it has been operational since January 10 and washes two to three trains daily, ensuring each train is washed once a week.

A cleaning cycle consumes approximately one cubic meter of water.

The water used for washing the trains is collected and later reused for other purposes.

According to Huy, after being cleaned with a water spray system and detergents, metro trains are dried and returned to the parking area.

The washing station comprises two main areas: a washing chamber and a control room. 

The washing chamber features brushes, water spray systems, and systems designed to clean the train's cabins, sides, and front and rear sections.

The control room is equipped with pumps, dosing devices, water collection tanks, clean water reservoirs, and storage for cleaning and anti-moisture agents, ensuring a smooth cycle.

Previously, train cleaning was primarily done manually by the contractor and relevant units.

By embracing this automatic train washing system, the metro line operator can optimize operational efficiency by automating the cleaning process and reducing the need for manual labor, while keeping the trains consistently clean and ready for operation, thus enhancing the passenger experience.

According to HURC, many passengers have failed to comply with metro regulations, such as blocking train doors, stepping over safety lines, forcing entry during door closures, and misusing facilities like escalators and priority elevators.

There have also been instances of restroom misuse, littering in stations and trains, and children being allowed to relieve themselves inappropriately, which impacts hygiene and the shared space.

The operator encourages passengers to adhere to the metro guidelines to foster a more civilized and modern public transit culture. 

The metro line project was launched in 2006, and its construction began in 2012. It was put into commercial service on December 22, offering commuters free rides in the first 30 days.

The line stretches 19.7 kilometers from Ben Thanh in District 1 to Suoi Tien Coach Station in Thu Duc. It includes 2.6 kilometers of underground urban rail link and 17.1 kilometers of elevated track.

There are 17 trains, each capable of accommodating 930 passengers, including 147 sitting and 783 standing. The metro line carries a price tag of VND43.7 trillion (US$1.7 billion).

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