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In keeping with the festive atmosphere celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification Day (April 30th) and International Labor Day (May 1st), the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line (Line 1) has announced a special policy: completely free fares for all passengers throughout 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 offer on April 30th and May 1st, passengers have two simple methods to scan at the automatic ticket gates. Firstly, passengers can directly use their chip-embedded citizen identification card (CCCD) and scan it at the control gates. Secondly, for passengers using smartphones, scanning the QR code on the HCMC Metro HURC app will also be accepted. To create a valid QR code for the free ticket, users need to download the HCMC Metro HURC app, then select the "Standard QR" function, create an e-ticket, and scan this code at the ticket gate when traveling.
During the two-day holiday, the metro line will extend its operating hours, increase the number of trips, and offer free fares to passengers using their ID card or QR code on the app.
Notably, HURC1 specifically notes that other forms of train ticket payment such as bank card scanning, using e-wallets, or purchasing train tickets via QR code through the app will not be included in this free program. The automated ticketing system will still deduct money from these transactions, and the company will not issue refunds for tickets purchased or paid for that are not eligible for the promotion.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has approved the implementation of a subsidy to cover the operating costs of the metro trains, providing free transportation for citizens during the national holiday.
Along with the free fare policy to facilitate travel for residents and tourists during the holiday, the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line also has significant adjustments to its operating hours and train frequency. Specifically, on April 30th, the metro's service hours will be extended from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM, instead of the usual operating hours from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Following this, from May 1st to May 4th, the metro line will continue to operate until 11:00 PM, while increasing the number of trips to 210 per day, an increase of 10 trips compared to the daily schedule. The frequency of trains during this period will range from 8 to 12 minutes, ensuring maximum service for passenger travel needs.
According to information from HURC1, the implementation of this special free fare policy was made possible thanks to the approval of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transportation to support operating costs, with funding from Hoa Sen Advertising and Trading Joint Stock Company.
On April 30th, the day of the official parade, the metro line will operate from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with the number of trips increased to approximately 240 per day.
A representative from HURC1 also emphasized the importance of passengers complying with safety regulations at the station and strictly following the instructions of the operating staff. Passengers were also advised to proactively plan their travel schedules, especially during peak hours when passenger numbers are expected to be high.
With a predicted surge in passenger numbers, the operating unit requests passengers' cooperation and adherence to station regulations, as well as their attention to staff instructions, to ensure safety and order.
The operator of Metro Line 1 further informed that the "Independent QR Code" function for free fares will officially appear on the HCMC Metro HURC application from April 30th and will automatically expire after May 1st. This free fare policy is expected to contribute to creating the most favorable conditions for people and tourists to participate in commemorative activities and celebrations during the country's major holidays.
