This new policy, implemented as a pilot program by Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway No. 1 Limited Company (HURC1), the metro's operator, aims to promote combined transportation models and support the use of environmentally friendly personal vehicles for accessing metro stations.

A folded bicycle. Photo: HURC1

A folded bicycle. Photo: HURC1

According to Van Thi Huu Tam, HURC1's deputy director, passengers are only permitted to bring personal bicycles that are folded and stored in carrying bags, ensuring they don't obstruct space on the train or compromise operational safety. Passengers are responsible for their own bicycles and must ensure they don't interfere with train equipment or inconvenience other passengers. Using bicycles within the station premises or on the train is prohibited.

The three-month pilot program will allow HURC1 to assess the actual demand before considering official implementation. A similar program allowing passengers to bring folded bicycles onto trains has already been implemented on the Cat Linh - Ha Dong line in Hanoi.

This solution is expected to increase the appeal of using the metro, especially for passengers traveling short distances between their homes and stations or stations and workplaces. This model is also practiced in many other parts of the world.

As Ho Chi Minh City's first urban railway line, the nearly 20-km Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro includes three underground stations and 11 elevated stations, with a total investment of over 43,700 billion VND. The line opened in 12/2024, offering free rides during the first month. After over seven months of operation, the metro has served over 10 million passengers, averaging over 52,300 passengers daily, exceeding the initial target.

Giang Anh