Looking forward to the day metro line 1 operates

Eagerly awaiting the finish line

In mid-October, on metro line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien), test trains from Ben Thanh station to Suoi Tien continuously followed each other.

People are looking forward to the day metro line 1 comes into operation.

At underground and elevated stations, service staff from technicians, operators, ticket inspectors to security staff, guards, janitors, etc. were mobilized to test the route. In addition to station staff, the train drivers also got into the swing of things after a long period of theoretical training.

"All the hard work and effort over the past time is about to pay off. Technicians and train drivers are currently trying their best to operate the upcoming metro line smoothly," said Ms. Thu Thao, a metro train driver technician.

Mr. Nguyen Phuong Phi - another train driver technician said that the closer we get to the finish line, the more excited and expectant the train driver team is. Everyone is looking forward to the day the metro line officially opens, bringing new journeys to the city's residents.

"I hope the people of Ho Chi Minh City will accompany and support when metro line 1 comes into operation," he said.

Along the metro lines, metro station signs have begun to appear, along with a system of pedestrian bridges connecting the stations that have been completed. Parking lots around the station area are also in the final stages of completion.

Continuous trial operation for 1.5 months

Ms. Minh Nguyet (33 years old, living in Thu Duc City) shared that every day she rides a motorbike from Thu Duc City to the center of District 1 to work. The frequent traffic jams on both the way there and back make Ms. Nguyet even more eager for the metro to operate soon.

Train technician ready to operate metro.

"I just hope the metro line will be completed and put into operation to help ease the burden on the roads," said Ms. Nguyet.

Similarly, Mr. Hoang Nam (45 years old, living in District 3) also expressed: "I hope the stations will be well connected with bus routes or other public transport, so that people can travel more conveniently."

Mr. Phan Cong Bang, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR) - the investor, said that metro line 1 is in the trial operation phase, expected to end on November 17.

During the 1.5-month trial period, the entire line will continuously run 47 scenarios, from normal operations to emergency situations at various locations, including elevated sections and tunnels. During this period, trains will run as in commercial operations with an interval of 4 minutes and 30 seconds between trains.

At the same time, MAUR is also urgently completing the remaining tasks such as fire prevention and fighting acceptance, system safety assessment, and registration.

"We are sticking to each milestone of the project, not allowing any delays," said Mr. Bang.

Finalize fare plan

It is expected that from November 18 to November 30, the system safety assessment consultant will complete the safety assessment reports to submit to the Vietnam Railway Authority to conduct safety assessment work according to the provisions of the Railway Law.

Metro ticket machine number 1.

After that, the State Acceptance Council for Construction Works under the Ministry of Construction will accept and approve the project for commercial operation, expected in December 2024.

Currently, the HCM City Department of Transport is finalizing the ticket price plan for Metro Line 1. The lowest expected fare is 12,000 VND for passengers traveling 5km or less, 14,000 VND for routes 5-10km; 16,000 VND for 10-15km and 18,000 VND for distances 15km or more.

Monthly passes are generally priced at VND260,000. In addition, guests can purchase one-day or three-day passes, which are recommended for VND40,000 and VND90,000, respectively.

Ho Chi Minh City is also seeking opinions from the Ministry of Finance and other ministries on ticket prices for students, the disabled, and policy beneficiaries. The city will also offer free metro rides for the first time to create a habit for people to use the metro.

The Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line No. 1 project has a total length of 19.7km, including 2.6km underground and 17.1km elevated; there are a total of 14 stations, including 3 underground stations and 11 elevated stations. The total investment after adjustment is 43,700 billion VND.

To serve the people conveniently, Ho Chi Minh City has planned to use shuttle buses to transport passengers to and from 5 inter-provincial bus stations. It will first be applied at the new Mien Dong Bus Station (Thu Duc City) when the metro line 1 project is put into operation at the end of 2024; Mien Tay Bus Station (Binh Tan District), old Mien Dong (Binh Thanh District), An Suong (Hoc Mon District) and Nga Tu Ga (District 12) are expected to be applied from 2025.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/tphcm-mong-doi-tung-ngay-metro-so-1-van-hanh-192241017235654138.htm