Getting around Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city, has gotten easier with the launch of its first mass rapid transit line.
Spanning nearly 20 kilometres, the line connects the iconic Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to suburban areas, including Thu Duc City and Suoi Tien Amusement Park in District 9. The US$1.7 billion project, which began operation on Sunday, promises to ease congestion in the bustling metropolis of over nine million residents.
The debut of Metro Line 1 marks the culmination of years of planning and construction, delayed by challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and financial constraints, according to state media.\
The metro will run 200 trips daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering free rides for the first 30 days. After the free period, fares will range from 6,000 to 20,000 dong (US$0.24–0.79), depending on distance. Special discounts are available for students and travellers of e-payment apps, while elderly and disabled passengers will ride for free.
Eight additional metro lines are planned, though the Vietnamese government has not announced timelines for their completion.