The number of people using the Cat Linh-Ha Dong subway line, the first of its kind in Vietnam, has rapidly increased, according to the Hanoi Urban Railway Company Limited (Hanoi Metro).

Talking to The Hanoi Times, the General Director of Hanoi Metro, Vu Hong Truong, said that the railway line ridership had increased 2.5 times compared to when the service opened last November.

The average number of daily commuters ranges between 30,000 and 32,000, Metro Hanoi said, adding that during holidays, this average figure is as high as 40,000.

"Daily passengers with a monthly pass account for up to 60% of commuters and up to 80% during rush hours. When the metro began operation, there were only 7,000-8,000 passengers a day, but the numbers have been increasing gradually," Truong added.

Explaining the reason for the increase in passengers, Truong said that people had seen the railway line as a means of transportation that is convenient, stable and not affected by traffic jams.

"During peak hours, from 7:00 to 8:30 or 17:00 to 18:30, the Cat Linh - Ha Dong railroad carries an average of 6,000 passengers. The number of passengers will continue to increase with good quality and comfortable service. The railroad has yielded positive initial results, helping to reduce road congestion along the route during peak hours. The current state of operation is the best scenario for which the Hanoi Metro has been prepared," stressed the general director. 

A passenger using the Skytrain for the first time is guided by staff. At each terminal along the Cat Linh-Ha Dong route, Skytrain staff distribute passenger orientation manuals and instruct passengers to correctly get on and off trains.

Passengers waiting for the train.

The trains run from 5:00 to 23:00 daily, with a frequency of six minutes at rush hour and ten to fifteen minutes at ordinary hours. The lowest price per trip is VND8,000 ($0.34), while full-day and monthly passes are priced at VND30,000 ($1.3) and VND200,000 ($8.8), respectively, and a half for students.