After more than a decade of planning and construction, Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, officially launched its first mass rapid transit line, Metro Line 1, sparking excitement among residents. The inaugural ride on Sunday saw hundreds lining up to be among the first passengers, reflecting the public’s anticipation for a new era in urban transport. This initial line connects the bustling Ben Thanh market in the city center to the Soui Tien Theme Park located in the northwest, featuring a total of 14 stops, which include three underground stations and eleven elevated ones. The launch signifies a critical advancement in the city’s public transportation landscape, aimed at alleviating the severe traffic congestion that afflicts Ho Chi Minh City, home to approximately 9 million residents.
This long-awaited project faced numerous obstacles, including delays primarily attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic and financial challenges. In total, planning, and construction stretched 17 years, with officials emphasizing the importance of this transportation milestone. Bui Xuan Cuong, a city official, noted that the metro line’s inauguration represents a significant step forward in enhancing public transportation for residents, as the city seeks to modernize and improve the overall mobility experience. The government hopes that the metro system will not only ease congestion but also encourage a shift towards more sustainable modes of travel, thereby improving the urban lifestyle of its citizens.
To encourage the city’s population to use the new metro system, the government has implemented a free travel initiative for the first month of operation. This initiative is designed to stimulate interest in public transport and familiarize residents with the new system. The metro will connect with newly introduced electric bus services, providing seamless travel options for commuters. Following the initial free period, ticket prices will range from 7,000 to 20,000 Vietnamese dong (about 27 to 79 cents) depending on the journey’s distance. Special provisions have been made to ensure that elderly and disabled passengers can travel free of charge, while discounts for students and those utilizing e-payment methods will further incentivize greater usage of public transport.
Despite the successful inauguration of Metro Line 1, the Vietnamese government has ambitious plans for expanding the metro network, with a total of eight lines envisioned for the city. However, specific timelines for the completion and opening of the remaining lines have yet to be announced. The significant investment in metro infrastructure reflects a broader commitment to enhancing urban transportation systems across Vietnam. As city officials and residents look forward to a comprehensive public transport network, the government continues to strategize on future developments to ensure the infrastructure keeps pace with the rapid urban growth.
The competition between Japan and China over transit infrastructure investments in Vietnam has been particularly heated. Japan was the first to invest significantly in the Ho Chi Minh City project, contributing approximately $1.72 billion to its development. However, China made swift progress in Hanoi, where it opened its first metro line in 2021, demonstrating its potential to surpass the advancements in Ho Chi Minh City. Furthermore, Beijing-backed projects, including the second metro line in Hanoi set to begin construction in 2025, highlight the urgency of infrastructure development to accommodate Vietnam’s increasing urbanization and tourism.
Earlier in the year, Vietnam’s government unveiled ambitious plans for two high-speed rail lines to enhance connections with China, aiming to bolster economic ties with its largest trading partner. Additionally, proposals for high-speed train services linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City indicate the government’s desire to establish a comprehensive transport network that integrates various modes of travel. As the nation seeks to modernize its infrastructure, the successful launch of Metro Line 1 in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a vital catalyst for future transport projects that promise to revitalize and support Vietnam’s economic growth and urban mobility.