Since November 1, Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) has officially entered a strong digital transformation phase with two important decisions: stopping the sale of paper tickets at many stations and officially allowing passengers to bring their own folding bicycles on board. This is considered a synchronous step towards building a modern and environmentally friendly public transport system.
According to the latest announcement from Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1), the form of selling paper tickets printed with QR codes at the counter has officially stopped at 5 stations: Thao Dien, An Phu, Binh Thai, Thu Duc and High-Tech Park. This decision brings the total number of stations that no longer sell paper tickets to 11 out of 14 stations on the entire route.
The gradual elimination of paper tickets is part of a digital transformation strategy to optimize ticketing processes and improve passenger experience. Instead of queuing at traditional counters, people are encouraged to switch to modern cashless payment methods.
Previously, Ho Chi Minh City stopped selling paper tickets containing QR codes at ticket counters at the City Theater, Ba Son, Van Thanh, Tan Cang, Phuoc Long, and Rach Chiec stations. Thus, 11/14 stations of Metro Line 1 have now "said goodbye" to paper tickets.
Passengers can easily buy tickets at automatic ticket vending machines (TVM), automatic kiosks, or pay directly via bank cards, e-wallets and especially through the dedicated HCMC Metro HURC application.
Instead of buying tickets at the counter as before at these 5 stations, passengers can buy train tickets using electronic payment methods, without using cash.
Notably, HURC1 also issued a warning about ticket usage regulations: single-trip tickets (purchased at machines, kiosks, counters or apps) are only valid on the day of purchase. If the ticket expires and is not used, the passenger will not be refunded. Although self-service is encouraged, station staff are always on hand to assist and guide passengers through the ticket machine or app when necessary.
Methods that can be used include purchasing tickets at ticket machines, automatic ticket kiosks; payment via bank cards, e-wallets or via the HCMC Metro HURC application
Along with the conversion of ticket sales methods, from November 1, HURC1 also officially implemented the preferential monthly ticket registration process for students according to a three-step digital process. Step 1, students need to register for priority on the HCMC Digital Citizen Application. Then, go to one of the designated stations (including City Theater, Tan Cang, Phuoc Long or National University) for staff to verify student information and link the chip-embedded citizen ID card with the HCMC Metro HURC application.
After authentication, passengers purchase monthly tickets on the app and use their chip-embedded ID to enter and exit the ticket gate. In case the ID is lost or not reissued, passengers can still continue using the service by using the QR code on the HCMC Metro HURC app.
In particular, aiming towards an integrated and sustainable transport model, Metro Line 1 has officially allowed passengers to bring their personal folding bicycles on board after a pilot period. This is good news for the bicycle-loving community, helping them easily combine this "green" personal vehicle with mass public transport.
The company also provides instructions on registering for monthly tickets for students using metro line 1.
However, the accompanying regulations are strict: bicycles must be completely folded in a carrying bag and are strictly prohibited from being used in the station area and on the train, to ensure operational safety and common space for all passengers.
These changes are expected to contribute to improving operational efficiency, while forming civilized, modern and environmentally friendly traffic habits in Ho Chi Minh City.
