HCM City (VNA) - The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line, Ho Chi Minh City's first metro route connecting Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City, has exceeded expectations by serving over 1.7 million passengers on 3,029 trips within just two weeks of its official launch, representing 300% of the initial target set by its operator.
The metro line saw a significant spike in ridership on January 1, 2025, with 275,144 passengers using the service in a single day—far surpassing the targets set by the project's investor and operator.
Van Thi Huu Tam, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railways No. 1 Company Limited (HURC 1), which operates the metro line, stated that the daily ridership, hundreds of thousands, highlights the growing demand for this new public transportation service. The metro is proving to be a popular choice, meeting the needs and expectations of both local residents and visitors.
Spanning 19.7 kilometers and featuring 14 stations, the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line is designed to ease traffic congestion while offering a convenient, eco-friendly way to explore the city.
The system comprises 17 trains, each with three carriages and a total capacity of 930 passengers (147 seated and 783 standing). In its initial operational phase, an average of nine trains run daily between 5:00 amand 10:00 pm, making approximately 200 trips and serving an average of 39,000 passengers.
This metro line links the city's central areas with its eastern parts, connecting tourists to many key attractions with minimal travel time. It also opens up unique travel experiences for both locals and visitors. Key destinations along the line include the Suoi Tien cultural tourism area, a recreational complex that blends traditional and modern elements.
The metro provides seamless access to a range of cultural, historical, and entertainment venues, offering a comprehensive experience for all passengers. Additionally, the use of the metro helps reduce emissions, protect the environment, and foster a culture of public transport.
Approved in 2007 with an investment of 43.7 trillion VND (1.72 billion USD), the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line took 17 years to complete, largely due to financial challenges encountered during its development./.
