General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam has experienced Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien), the first urban railway project in the largest metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. 

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam experiences Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien Metro Line. Photos: HURC1

During the journey from Ben Thanh Station to Tan Cang Station on February 22, he had conversations with the public, listening to feedback about the convenience and modernity of the metro line.

The trip was joined by senior officials namely Nguyen Van Nen, the Politburo’s member and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee; Le Hoai Trung, Chief of the Office of the CPV’s Central Committee; and Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From left: Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (2nd), Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet.

On the same day, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone came to experience the Metro Line, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong.

Metro Line No. 1 is the first subway project in Ho Chi Minh City, stretching 19.7 km with 14 stations. Approved in 2007 with construction in 2012, it costs a total investment of VND43.7 trillion (US$1.7 billion).

Coming operational since December 2024, the line has served over 4.6 million passengers. Ticket prices range from VND7,000 (0.27 US cents) to VND20,000 (78 US cents) per ride, with discounts for students and free rides for children under 6, the elderly, people with meritorious services, and people with disabilities.

Metro Line No. 1 helps reduce traffic congestion and promotes socio-economic development, becoming a symbol of sustainable growth for Ho Chi Minh City.

The advanced automatic fare collection system offers flexible payment options, including QR codes, bank cards, e-wallets, and citizen identification cards, enhancing the user experience.

The Party chief’s visit is particularly meaningful following the 15th National Assembly’s approval of a resolution on February 19 to pilot special mechanisms to advance the development of the urban railway networks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City has planned to accelerate the implementation of Metro Line No. 2 (Ben Thah – Tham Luong) and other planned routes under these new provisions. At present, land clearance for Metro Line No. 2 has been completed.