From December 22 to December 25, Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) completed 797 train trips, serving nearly 400,000 passengers during its first month of free operations.

On December 26, Van Thi Huu Tam, Deputy Director of HCMC Urban Railway Company Limited No.1 (HURC1), shared that by the fourth day, citizens had become more accustomed to using the metro for commuting, studying, and leisure activities.

Ben Thanh Station remains the most popular stop for visitors eager to experience the new metro system.

During operations on December 25, HURC1 ran 200 trips with an average interval of 12 minutes during off-peak hours and 8 minutes during peak hours. The total passenger count for the day reached 115,962, with an average of 580 passengers per train.

Over four days, the metro served 394,967 passengers, with the opening day seeing the highest turnout of 149,870 passengers. Conversely, the second day recorded the lowest number of riders, at 38,751.

QR codes to be mandatory from January 2025

Metro Line 1 officially began operations on December 22 after 12 years of construction. During the initial month of service, passengers can ride without tickets, apps, or ID cards at the stations.

However, starting January 2, 2025, HURC1 will implement an entry-exit control system. Passengers will need to download the HCMC Metro HURC app on their phones to generate QR codes for access.

For those without smartphones, passengers can use Mastercard-enabled bank cards, ID cards, or the VNeID app to register for metro access at the stations.

From January 10, 2025, additional card options such as Visa, JCB, American Express, UnionPay, and Napas will be accepted at gates equipped with card readers.

Children under 14 and other passengers requiring assistance will receive guidance from station staff to ensure smooth access to the metro.

Ticket prices vary depending on the distance and payment method. Single tickets range from 6,000 VND to 20,000 VND (approximately $0.25 to $0.83). Day passes cost 40,000 VND (around $1.67), allowing unlimited travel within a day, while three-day passes are priced at 90,000 VND ($3.75).

Monthly passes cost 300,000 VND ($12.50) for regular passengers and 150,000 VND ($6.25) for students.

Tuan Kiet