Saigon Metro Line 1, the first subway line in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), has adjusted its operating parameters to ensure safety during adverse weather conditions. The train speed will be reduced during heavy rain to avoid sudden stops, which could inconvenience passengers.
Mr. Tran Dang Thanh, Deputy Director of Metro Line 1 Operation Company (HURC1), shared at HCMC’s regular press conference on the afternoon of February 13 that this measure has been applied since the heavy rain on February 11 along the route from Tan Cảng to Ba Son.
“The train speed will temporarily decrease, resulting in slower travel times. However, this is a necessary solution to ensure absolute passenger safety. Once the system is fully upgraded, normal speeds will be restored,” Mr. Thanh emphasized.
Adjusting Operations and Fare Collection Systems
In addition to reducing train speeds, HURC1 is also accelerating the completion of the automatic fare collection system at stations. This system is expected to be fully operational by May. Currently, cashless payment via Mastercard has been implemented, providing convenience for passengers.
According to statistics, after more than two months of operation, the system has served over 4 million passengers with total revenue exceeding 19 billion Vietnamese dong. “We are continuously improving to optimize the user experience,” Mr. Thanh added.
Notably, to accommodate the high passenger volume at Ben Thanh Station, HURC1 plans to add more ticket gates. In cases where demand exceeds current capacity, handheld ticket machines will be used for support.
Reasons for Train Stops During Heavy Rain
Mr. Phan Cong Bang, Head of HCMC Urban Railway Project Management Board, explained that there were two instances when trains had to temporarily halt due to heavy rain.
“The first occurred during the initial operation phase when the operating team lacked experience. The second was caused by lightning strikes, requiring an emergency stop to ensure safety and fix technical issues,” Mr. Bang said.
According to him, the metro system was designed according to Japanese standards. However, due to differences in HCMC’s climate, some issues related to signaling and platform screen doors have arisen. Specifically, the door sensors are highly sensitive and easily affected by external factors, disrupting the original operating procedures.
“By the end of March, all issues related to platform door signaling are expected to be resolved. The fare card system errors are projected to be fixed by May,” Mr. Bang confirmed.
General Information About Metro Line 1
The Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro officially began operations on December 22, 2024, with an inauguration ceremony planned for March 9. This is the first subway line in HCMC, spanning 19.7 kilometers and connecting District 1 with eastern areas like Binh Thanh and Thu Duc City.
Each train can carry up to 930 passengers (including 147 seats and 783 standing spaces). The interval between trains ranges from 8 to 12 minutes, with a total of 200 trips per day. Trains operate at speeds of 110 km/h on elevated sections and 80 km/h on underground segments.
On average, Metro Line 1 operates 177 trips daily, serving approximately 76,142 passengers, or 431 passengers per train, generating daily revenue of over 1 billion Vietnamese dong.
Conclusion
Adjusting train speeds and resolving technical issues are crucial steps to ensure safety and improve service quality on Metro Line 1. Residents of HCMC can feel more secure using this modern mode of transportation, especially during unpredictable weather. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the metro project for detailed information.
Source: dantri.com.vn
