A Dozen Years in the Making, Vietnam’s Largest City Unveils Its First Mass Rapid Transit Line
Hundreds of people gathered to be among the first passengers to board Ho Chi Minh City’s first mass rapid transit line, which officially launched on Sunday. The 14-stop line stretches from the central Ben Thanh market to the Soui Tien Theme Park outside the city’s northwestern boundary. The line was 12 years in the making, with construction started after a year of planning and concluding through a period of delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and financial constraints.
The opening marks a significant milestone in the city’s advancement of public transportation, which is hoped to reduce the notorious congestion in the city’s streets. The Vietnamese government aims to alleviate the problem with its future plans, including eight lines in total, although no opening dates have been announced for the other lines.
To incentivize travel, tickets will be free for the first month, with discounts available for students and travelers using e-payment apps. The fare will be around 7,000 to 20,000 dong (27 to 79 cents) depending on distance, while elderly and disabled riders will travel for free.
The line operates daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Vietnamese government’s plans to expand its transit infrastructure have faced competition from Japan and China, both of which have displayed eagerness to strengthen their influence throughout Asia. While Japan initially led the way, China-backed Hanoi opened its first metro line in 2021, beating Ho Chi Minh City. The government has announced plans to build two high-speed rail lines connecting with China, with proposals to connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with high-speed trains in the future.