The operator of Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1, the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien line, has officially requested police intervention to address the actions of a man performing pull-ups on train handrails, which were deemed inappropriate and disruptive.

The Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Company Limited (HURC1) issued a statement urging the city police to investigate and handle improper behavior on the metro system according to legal regulations.

The incident, which occurred on January 24, involved a young man using the ceiling-mounted handrails and vertical poles on the metro train to perform exercise movements. The actions were captured on video and widely shared online, causing public disapproval.

HURC1 suspects the man is affiliated with a fitness group called ASHURA-Ultimate Calisthenics Team. He reportedly engaged in similar activities on multiple trains, specifically those operating on routes from Ben Thanh Station to Suoi Tien Bus Station (train 1401) and in the reverse direction (train 1602).

According to HURC1, such behavior not only caused discomfort among passengers but also posed safety risks.

“The train is a shared public space, and the handrails are installed to help passengers maintain balance while the train is moving - not for exercise or performances,” the statement emphasized.

The company highlighted that the man’s actions endangered himself and others, particularly in a crowded cabin where many passengers were seated below the handrails.

In response to the incident, HURC1 has asked the Ho Chi Minh City police to identify and summon the individual for questioning and legal action.

The operator stressed that swift and strict action is necessary to deter similar behavior in the future, maintain public order, and promote the metro as a safe, civilized mode of transportation.

The move also aims to reinforce the image of urban rail as a modern, respectful public service and to ensure passengers adhere to proper conduct when using metro facilities.

Tuan Kiet