The Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line will officially begin commercial operations on January 21, with fares introduced as per published rates. The operator has also updated the train schedule to accommodate travel demands during the Lunar New Year (Tet) of 2025.

On January 18, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport announced the operational plan for Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) during the Tet holiday, running from January 24 (December 25 in the lunar calendar) to February 2 (January 5 in the lunar calendar).

From January 24 to 28 (December 25–29), the metro will operate from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. On January 29 (Lunar New Year’s Day), trains will run from 12:30 AM to 2:00 AM and resume from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

From January 30 to February 2 (January 2–5), the operating hours will be 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The operator will monitor passenger demand and adjust train frequency and intervals as needed during this period.

Highlights from the metro’s initial operation

Metro Line 1 officially commenced service on December 22, 2024, offering free rides for the first month. Operating daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the metro completes approximately 200 trips each day.

According to HURC 1 (the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railways Company Limited), nearly a month of free operations has seen the metro carry over 2.65 million passengers, achieving 246% of the target and completing more than 5,400 safe trips.

Starting January 21, passengers will need to purchase tickets to use the metro. The daily fare is set at 40,000 VND (approximately $1.70), allowing unlimited rides within a day. A three-day pass costs 90,000 VND. Monthly passes are priced at 300,000 VND, with a discounted rate of 150,000 VND for students.

For single rides, fares range from 7,000–20,000 VND for cash payments and 6,000–19,000 VND for cashless transactions, depending on the distance traveled.

Ho Chi Minh City will provide free tickets to certain groups, including people with meritorious service to the revolution, individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and children under six years old. These groups can also enjoy free rides on buses connecting to Metro Line 1.

Tuan Kiet