On the first day, Metro No. 1 was 3.7 times more crowded than Cat Linh - Ha Dong

The information was shared by Mr. Le Minh Triet - Director of Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1) on the afternoon of December 23.

“Initially, we planned to run 140 trains, serving about 27,000 passengers. However, in reality, 177 trains were operated, carrying 150,000 passengers, far exceeding expectations,” said Mr. Triet.

Compared to the first day of operation of the Cat Linh - Ha Dong line in Hanoi (serving about 40,000 passengers) in November 2021, the number of passengers on Metro Line 1 in Ho Chi Minh City increased by about 3.7 times.

According to Mr. Triet, on the first day of operation, there were some unexpected situations such as the elevator stopping or the payment column coming loose. However, these problems were promptly resolved, ensuring that the passenger experience was not interrupted.

At some stations, littering has been recorded, along with passengers bringing food and drinks onto the train, affecting public hygiene.

“We are planning to install vending machines and automatic food dispensers before Tet. People will be encouraged to use bottled water instead of plastic cups, helping to keep the station and the train clean,” Triet said.

On the second day of operation (December 23), Metro Line 1 is expected to serve about 20,000 passengers.

Many passengers used Metro Line 1 from Suoi Tien Bus Station (Thu Duc City) to Ben Thanh Station (District 1) to work.

“The metro line has initially shown its effectiveness by becoming the choice of many different groups of passengers, from students, workers to tourists. We hope that people will gradually form the habit of using public transport and limit personal vehicles,” Mr. Triet emphasized.

With the forecast of increased passenger numbers during the weekend and Christmas, the operator has prepared service plans.

Mr. Triet said HURC1 will propose to the HCMC Department of Transport to increase the frequency of train operations on the evening of December 24 if demand suddenly increases. At the same time, sanitation and security forces will be deployed to ensure order.

Mr. Phan Cong Bang - Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR), emphasized that putting Metro Line 1 into operation is the result of many years of efforts, meeting the expectations of both the government and the people.

"Although official operations inevitably had some shortcomings, Metro Line 1 has operated smoothly and received enthusiastic support from the people," said Mr. Bang.

However, MAUR leaders also warned of the risk of overload at stations, especially Ben Thanh underground station, where passengers are concentrated. To ensure safety, the unit can limit the number of passengers boarding here, giving way to passengers from other stations.

Mr. Bang recommends that passengers should be distributed evenly at stations along the route instead of concentrating at one point, to avoid crowding and ensure everyone's safety.