photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public domain/Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line is finally here, delivering a mix of celebration and chaos. As crowds flock for a historic ride, the future of Vietnam’s urban transit takes center stage.
The first metro line in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, has officially opened, attracting crowds of curious residents. Many viewed the ride as a unique attraction rather than a practical commute, opting to stay aboard from one end to the other without disembarking. People recorded the train’s arrival on their phones, taking countless selfies to commemorate the moment.
Saigon: A Metro Ride as an Experience
Ho Chi Minh City now boasts its first metro line, a long-awaited milestone in Vietnam’s largest city. Enthusiastic crowds gathered at stations, eager not to miss the historic launch. According to Aktuálně.cz, some residents waited from 7 a.m. until the official opening ceremony at 10 a.m., attended by government officials and representatives from Japan, who contributed to the project.
While the metro’s debut was an exciting event, it also brought logistical challenges. Staff had to use megaphones to manage the throngs of people trying to board the trains. To ensure safety, the stations are equipped with glass barriers that only open once the train is fully stopped.
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A Long Wait for Public Transit
The metro’s journey to completion was fraught with delays. Approved in 2007, the project initially had a budget of USD 668 million. Construction began in 2012, but it took 12 years before the metro finally opened. According to Reuters, one woman shared a poignant story about promising her young granddaughter a ride on the metro when it opened—her granddaughter is now in college.
The project’s final cost reached USD 1.7 billion. As Aktuálně.cz reports, much of the funding came from Japan, which also provided the technology, equipment, and expertise.
The first metro line spans 20 kilometers, featuring 14 stations, with only three located underground in the city center. Ho Chi Minh City has ambitious plans to expand its metro network to over 100 kilometers, connecting the urban core with surrounding areas.
Easing Traffic on Saigon’s Roads
The city hopes the metro will encourage residents to switch to public transit, relieving congested streets packed with cars and scooters. Bui Xuan Cuong, vice chairman of Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Committee, stated, “The metro will meet the growing transportation needs of residents and help reduce traffic jams and pollution.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Professor Vu Minh Hoang from Fulbright University Vietnam noted that while the metro marks a historic achievement, it won’t solve the city’s traffic woes entirely.
Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, Ito Naoki, expressed optimism, saying the metro would improve connectivity in congested areas and encourage a shift from personal vehicles to public transport. He also highlighted the metro’s potential to spur further infrastructure projects, according to VnExpress International.
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Affordable and Accessible
A single ride costs less than USD 0.80, with discounts for contactless payments. To encourage usage, rides on the metro—and 17 connecting bus routes—are free for the first month after opening.
Source: Reuters; VnExpress International; Aktuálně.cz