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Starting November 1st, Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) officially entered a phase of significant digital transformation with two important decisions: discontinuing the sale of paper tickets at many stations and officially allowing passengers to bring personal folding bicycles on board. This is seen as a synchronized step towards building a modern and environmentally friendly urban public transportation system.
According to the latest announcement from Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1), the practice of selling paper tickets with printed QR codes at the counter has officially ceased at five stations: Thao Dien, An Phu, Binh Thai, Thu Duc, and the High-Tech Park. This decision brings the total number of stations no longer selling paper tickets to 11 out of 14 stations along the entire line.
The phase-out of paper tickets is part of a digital transformation strategy aimed at optimizing ticketing processes and enhancing the passenger experience. Instead of queuing at traditional counters, people are encouraged to switch to modern cashless payment methods.
Previously, Ho Chi Minh City had stopped selling paper tickets containing QR codes at ticket counters in the City Theatre, Ba Son, Van Thanh, Tan Cang, Phuoc Long, and Rach Chiec stations. Thus, 11 out of 14 stations on Metro Line 1 have now said goodbye to paper tickets.
Passengers can easily purchase tickets at automated ticket vending machines (TVMs), automated 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 five stations, passengers can now purchase train tickets using electronic, cashless payment methods.
Notably, HURC1 also issued a warning regarding ticket usage regulations: single-trip tickets (purchased at machines, kiosks, counters, or via the app) are only valid on the day of purchase. If a ticket expires without being used, passengers will not receive a refund. Although self-service is encouraged, station staff are always on hand to assist and guide passengers in using the ticket vending machines or app when needed.
Available payment methods include purchasing tickets at ticket vending machines or automated ticket kiosks; paying via bank card, e-wallet, or through the HCMC Metro HURC app.
Along with the change in ticket sales method, from November 1st, HURC1 also officially implemented a digital three-step registration process for discounted monthly passes for students. Step 1: Students need to register for priority status on the HCMC Digital Citizen Application. Then, they go to one of the designated stations (including City Theatre, Tan Cang, Phuoc Long, or National University) for staff to verify student information and link their chip-based citizen ID card to the HCMC Metro HURC application.
After verification, passengers purchase monthly passes on the app and use their chip-embedded ID card to enter and exit through the ticket gates. In case the ID card is lost or not yet reissued, passengers can still continue to use the service by using the QR code on the HCMC Metro HURC app.
In particular, aiming for an integrated and sustainable transportation model, Metro Line 1 has officially allowed passengers to bring their personal folding bicycles on board after a trial period. This is good news for the cycling community, making it easier for them to integrate this "green" personal mode of transport with high-capacity public transportation.
The company also provides instructions on how to register for monthly passes for students using metro line 1.
However, the accompanying regulations impose strict requirements: bicycles must be completely folded and placed in their carrying bags, and their use is strictly prohibited in the station area and on the train, in order to ensure operational safety and shared space for all passengers.
These changes are expected to contribute to improved traffic efficiency, while also fostering civilized, modern, and environmentally friendly traffic habits in Ho Chi Minh City.
