Party chief takes ride on Bến Thành – Suối Tiên metro line

Party General Secretary To Lam rides the Bến Thành-Suối Tiên metro line (metro line No.1) on February 22. VNA/VNS photo

HCM CITY — Party General Secretary Tô Lâm rode the Bến Thành-Suối Tiên metro line (metro line No.1) as part of his working trip to HCM City on Saturday.

Accompanying the Parader were prominent officials including Politburo member and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyễn Văn Nên, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chief of the Party Central Committee's Office Lê Hoài Trung, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn.

During his journey from Bến Thành to Tân Cảng station, Lâm engaged with passengers who enthusiastically shared their experience using the modern public transit system. Commuters said it helps reduce travel time, meet their travel demand, while improving living quality.

The 19.7-kilometer metro line, connecting downtown HCM City to its eastern gateway, features 14 stations, three underground and 11 elevated, plus a depot. The project, approved in 2007, had a total investment of over VNĐ43.7 trillion (US$1.71 billion). Construction on the line began in 2012.

Since its official launch on December 22, 2024, the line has served more than 4.6 million passengers. Single-ride fares range from VNĐ7,000 to 20,000, contingent upon the distance travelled while monthly passes are available at VNĐ300,000, with students eligible for a 50 per cent discount. Free rides are offered to children under six, people who rendered service to the nation, seniors over 60, and individuals with disabilities.

Beyond alleviating traffic congestion in the city centre, the line catalyses urban expansion eastward, contributing to HCM City's sustainable socio-economic development. The municipal People’s Committee sees the system not only as a modern urban transport solution but also a symbol of the city's aspirations for growth, integration, and sustainable development. — VNA/VNS

Party chief Tô Lâm talks with the passengers on the Metro Line No.1. — VNA/VNS Photo