Joining the jubilant atmosphere of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labor Day (May 1), the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line No. 1 has just announced a special policy, completely free tickets for all passengers during these two important holidays. This information was officially confirmed by the Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1), the unit managing and operating the metro line.
Accordingly, to enjoy the free ticket promotion on April 30 and May 1, passengers have two simple ways to scan at automatic ticket gates. First, passengers can directly use their chip-embedded citizen identification card (chip-embedded CCCD) and scan at the control gates. Second, for passengers using smartphones, scanning the QR code on the HCMC Metro HURC application will also be accepted. To create a valid QR code for free tickets, users need to download the HCMC Metro HURC application, then select the "Independent QR" function, create an electronic ticket and scan this code at the ticket gate when traveling.
During the two-day holiday, the metro line will extend its operating hours, add more trips, and offer free tickets to passengers using their ID cards or QR codes on the app.
Notably, HURC1 specifically notes that other forms of train ticket payment such as scanning bank cards, using e-wallets, or purchasing train ticket QR codes through the application will not be included in this free program. The automatic ticket checking system will still deduct money for these transactions and the company will not refund tickets purchased or paid for that are not eligible for the promotion.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has just approved the implementation of supporting the operating costs of metro trains to serve people traveling free of charge during the holiday.
Along with the free ticket policy to facilitate people and tourists to travel during the holidays, the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line also has significant adjustments in operating time and train frequency. Specifically, on April 30, the metro service time will be extended from 4:30 am to 11 pm, instead of the usual operating time from 5 am to 10 pm. Continuing, from May 1 to the end of May 4, the metro line will continue to maintain operating time until 11 pm, while increasing the number of trips to 210 trips per day, an increase of 10 trips compared to the daily schedule. The frequency of trains during this period ranges from 8 to 12 minutes, ensuring maximum service for passengers' travel needs.
According to information from HURC1, the implementation of this special free ticket policy is thanks to the approval of operating cost support from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, with funding from Hoa Sen Advertising Trading Joint Stock Company.
On April 30, when the official parade takes place, the metro line will operate early from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the number of trips increased to about 240 trips per day.
HURC1 representatives also emphasized the importance of passengers complying with safety regulations at the station and strictly following the instructions of the operating staff. At the same time, passengers are also advised to proactively arrange their travel schedules reasonably, especially during peak hours when a large number of passengers are expected.
With the forecast of a sudden increase in the number of passengers, the operator hopes that passengers will cooperate, comply with the regulations at the station, and listen to the instructions of the staff to ensure safety and order.
The operator of Metro Line 1 added that the "Independent QR" function for free tickets will officially appear on the HCMC Metro HURC application from April 30 and will automatically expire after May 1. This free ticket policy is expected to contribute to creating the most favorable conditions for people and tourists to participate in commemorative and fun activities during the country's major holidays.
