More than two months after launching, Ho Chi Minh City’s metro line No. 1 has drawn strong ridership and public support, but several issues must be addressed to improve its efficiency and passenger experience.

During peak periods, particularly around the New Year and Lunar New Year holidays, stations saw significant overcrowding, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport.

In response, the metro’s operator, Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway No. 1 Co. Ltd., increased train frequency, but congestion remains a challenge as the automated ticketing system has still not been put into use, requiring passengers to purchase tickets manually and leading to prolonged wait times.

Incomplete ticket payment and inspection systems have also caused delays.

Technical problems, including train delays, wheel slippage, and power outages due to weather conditions, have raised further concerns.

The Department of Transport has urged the metro operator to establish a comprehensive information portal to enhance transparency and monitoring, a requirement that remains unfulfilled.

The department has set a May 2025 deadline for the automated ticketing system to be operational and for ticket inspection data to be integrated with the city’s public transportation management system.

Regarding the handling of technical issues, the Department of Transport acknowledged that the the Ho Chi Minh City Management Board for Urban Railway had provided full reports but emphasized the need for quicker action.

Beyond metro operations, city officials are working to improve surrounding transport infrastructure to enhance passenger convenience. Plans include installing pedestrian lines, signage, and identification pillars at underground stations such as Ben Thanh, Municipal Theater, and Ba Son.

Similar upgrades are planned for Van Thanh Station and several locations in Thu Duc City, where sidewalks will be renovated, pedestrian lines added, and damaged roads repaired.

At Tan Cang Station, a pedestrian path under the Saigon Bridge will be improved to connect with Vinhomes Central Park, and officials are studying potential links to the Tan Cang river bus station.

The Department of Transport has also reassigned cleaning responsibilities at metro stations and connecting bus stops to the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transportation Management Center.

Despite its successful debut, metro line No. 1 still faces operational challenges that need urgent resolution.

The Department of Transport has emphasized the importance of completing the automated ticketing system, expanding transport infrastructure, increasing capacity, and maintaining public hygiene to enhance service quality.

The city’s first metro line spans 19.7 kilometers, including 2.6 kilometers of underground rail and 17.1 kilometers of elevated track, with a total cost of US$1.7 billion.

Construction on the metro line project began in 2012, and the system operates with 17 trains, each capable of carrying 930 passengers.

Designed to ease congestion and offer a fast, efficient transit alternative, its long-term success will depend on addressing ongoing issues and improving passenger experience.

The metro line began commercial operations in December last year.

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