HCMC’s first metro line to open on Dec 22

The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line is expected to enter operation on Dec. 22 as the first in Ho Chi Minh City, with ticket prices starting from VND6,000 (24 U.S. cents) per ride.

The HCMC Management Authority for Urban Railways, the project’s main investor, on Thursday said the project has been 100% completed and is now waiting for certain procedures to be completed, before entering commercial operation.

Ticket prices for the metro would vary based on the types of ticket, ranging from VND6,000-20,000 for single rides. Monthly passes would cost VND300,000, with students getting a 50% discount. There will also be day passes and three-day passes, costing VND40,000 and VND90,000, respectively.

Certain passengers, such as the disabled and the elderly, will be able to ride the metro for free.

HCMC plans to issue over two million passes for HCMC’s first metro line in the first phase. The line is expected to serve around 40,000 passengers every day.

Within the first 30 days after entering commercial operation, passengers on the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line and 17 connective bus lines will get free tickets to promote the use of the metro line.

The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line, spanning around 20 km with 11 elevated stations and three underground ones, began construction in 2012. Its total investment cost is at over VND43.7 trillion ($1.72 billion).

By Gia Minh – VnExpress.net – November 21, 2024