Society

Passengers enjoy free rides on Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line for first 30 days

Passengers of Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) in Ho Chi Minh City will enjoy free travel during the first 30 days of its commercial operation under a resolution passed by the municipal People’s Council at its 20th session on December 11.

Map of Metro line 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien) at An Phu station. (Photo: VNA)
Map of Metro line 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien) at An Phu station. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) – Passengers of Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) in Ho Chi Minh City will enjoy free travel during the first 30 days of its commercial operation under a resolution passed by the municipal People’s Council at its 20th session on December 11.

The resolution, which outlines policies to support public transport users and fund operations for buses and metro services, also includes free bus rides for passengers on routes connecting to Metro Line 1. This policy will be effective from January 1, 2025, until the end of the fare-free period for the metro line.

Additionally, the city will provide free rides on public transport for individuals who have contributed to the revolutionary cause, people with disabilities, and children under six years old.

According to the municipal People’s Committee, offering free rides during the initial operation of Metro Line 1 is intended to encourage residents to experience the city’s first urban rail system. The initiative aims to foster a shift towards public transportation and reduce the use of personal vehicles in the city centre.

The total funding for fare exemptions and discounts for buses and metro services is estimated at 43.3 billion VND (1.7 million USD) per year, while the cost of providing 30 days of free fares for buses and metro services is expected to reach 33.1 billion VND per month. The total annual funding to support public passenger transport operations by bus and metro is approximately 2.2 trillion VND (88.4 million USD).

Previously, the city announced the fare structure for Metro Line 1, which includes both single-trip and time-based tickets.

Price of single-trip fares range from 7,000 to 20,000 VND (less than 1 USD) for cash payments, depending on distance, while non-cash payments range from 6,000 to 19,000 VND.

A one-day pass with unlimited rides costs 40,000 VND per person while a three-day pass costs 90,000 VND per person.

Regular monthly passes are priced at 300,000 VND, with a 50% discount for students.

The Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro Line spans 19.7 km, connecting Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc city. It features three underground stations (Ben Thanh, Opera House, and Ba Son) and 11 elevated stations. Construction began in 2012 but faced multiple delays, with total costs rising to over 1.71 billion USD. The line includes 17 trains, each capable of carrying 930 passengers.

The main construction packages have been completed. The project’s investor is currently working with relevant units to expedite the remaining tasks, including fire safety inspections, environmental permitting, safety certifications, and final project acceptance.

The Metro Line 1 is scheduled to begin commercial operation on December 22./.

VNA
#public transport #free rides #financial support #metro services #Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line Ho Chi Minh City
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