Ho Chi Minh City Launches First Mass Rapid Transit Line after 12 Years of Construction

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest urban center, has officially launched its first mass rapid transit line, Metro Line 1, after more than a decade of development. The line, which stretches from the bustling Ben Thanh Market in the city center to the Soui Tien Theme Park in the northwest, began operations on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transportation evolution.
With 14 stops, including three underground and 11 elevated, the metro line aims to alleviate the city’s notorious traffic congestion. The opening follows years of delays caused by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and financial constraints. The project, which began in 2006, is a part of Vietnam’s broader effort to enhance urban mobility as the population of Ho Chi Minh City continues to grow.

City official Bui Xuan Cuong emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “The inauguration of this metro line today marks a significant milestone in the advancement of public transportation within the city.” The government has plans for a total of eight metro lines, although the opening dates for the other lines remain undetermined.

For the first month, travel on the metro will be free, with discounted fares and free connections to new electric buses afterward. Ticket prices will range from 7,000 to 20,000 dong (27 to 79 cents), depending on the distance traveled, with discounts for students and users of e-payment apps.
The launch of Metro Line 1 positions Ho Chi Minh City as a key player in the regional competition between Japan and China for influence in Southeast Asia’s transit infrastructure. Japan has invested heavily in the project, contributing $1.72 billion, while Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, opened its own metro system in 2021 with Chinese backing.