A "sea of people" filled Ben Thanh Station in District 1, eager to experience the city’s first urban railway system on this historic Sunday.

The underground entrance to Ben Thanh Station was packed with visitors, taking advantage of the weekend to try out the new metro service.

Station staff used loudspeakers to guide passengers, providing instructions on queueing, moving, and using the metro system.

Many passengers arrived early at the 23/9 Park near Ben Thanh Station. Vu Huy Ngoc, 97 years old, shared his excitement as he strolled with his wife while waiting for their turn to board the train. “Metro was a dream for our generation,” he said. “We’re thrilled to finally experience the city’s first metro line in our later years.”

The metro began its first trip at 10 AM on the inaugural day.

The automatic ticket scanning area at Ben Thanh Station saw long lines as eager passengers waited for their turn.

In the coming days, the metro will operate from 5 AM to 10 PM, with trains departing every 8-12 minutes. Passengers will enjoy 30 days of free rides during the initial launch phase.

Le Thanh Khang, a resident of Nha Be District, arrived at Ben Thanh Station with his two children as early as 5:30 AM. “We’re excited and proud to be part of this historic moment,” Khang said. He added, “I’ve seen metro systems in Hanoi and other countries, and I’ve been looking forward to experiencing it here in Ho Chi Minh City.”

At Tan Cang Station, a crowd formed with queues stretching 50 meters at the train boarding entrance.

At the ticket scanning area, four staff members continuously monitor entry and exit. However, since passengers are not yet familiar with the process, it takes considerable time. Passengers only need to scan a QR code downloaded from the metro app to obtain their tickets. Those who haven't registered for tickets in advance via the app will be issued temporary entry tags for their journey.

Two consecutive trains heading toward Ben Thanh Station were packed with passengers, leaving many waiting at Tan Cang Station unable to board.

The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line has 17 trains, each with three carriages, accommodating up to 930 passengers (147 seated and 783 standing).

The diagram of Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) stations typically includes the following key stations: Ben Thanh (Central station and interchange hub), Opera House, Ba Son, Van Thanh, Tan Cang, Thao Dien, An Phu, Rach Chiec, Phuoc Long, Thu Duc
Hi-tech Park, Suoi Tien Theme Park, Depot Long Binh (end of the line). This layout connects central Ho Chi Minh City with the eastern districts and beyond, serving as a crucial transportation route.

Nguyen Hue-Dao Phuong