Hanoi Metro reported on 25/8 that nearly 200,000 passengers rode the metro during the second rehearsal for the A80 (80th anniversary of National Day) celebrations, the highest number to date.

Passengers crowded Cat Linh station on the night of 24/8 after the second rehearsal. Photo: Dinh Truong

Passengers crowded Cat Linh station on the night of 24/8 after the second rehearsal. Photo: Dinh Truong

The 2A Cat Linh - Ha Dong line served over 146,000 passengers, setting a new ridership record and marking a nearly 33% increase compared to the first rehearsal on 21/8. The Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station line served over 50,000 passengers, an increase of more than 20,000 compared to a typical day.

To accommodate passenger travel during the A80 events, Hanoi Metro offers four recommendations:

First, purchase round-trip tickets to save time and avoid multiple queues.

Second, follow station staff instructions, particularly when queuing for tickets, on the platform, and while boarding. Avoid pushing and shoving to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.

Some passengers attempted to squeeze through the closing gate at Cat Linh station on the night of 24/8. Photo: Gia Minh

Some passengers attempted to squeeze through the closing gate at Cat Linh station on the night of 24/8. Photo: Gia Minh

Third, maintain personal hygiene. Passengers should use restrooms after exiting the train and before leaving the ticket gate area due to the limited availability of public restrooms near the stations. The Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station line has restrooms inside the stations and public restrooms nearby (for Cau Giay station, passengers can consider using restrooms at the University of Transport and Communications).

Finally, monitor the official Hanoi Metro Fanpage for updates on station conditions and to choose optimal travel times, especially before, during, and after events.

Following two rehearsals, over 16,000 military personnel and 14 artillery and special vehicle teams will participate in a preview on the evening of 27/8, with a full dress rehearsal on the morning of 30/8 for the official parade on the morning of 2/9. The city has announced free metro and bus service for four days, from 30/8 to 2/9.

To serve the public, both metro lines will extend their operating hours. On 27/8 and 29/8, trains will run from 5:30 a.m. to midnight; on 30/8 from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and on 1/9 from 5:30 a.m. to midnight. On 2/9, trains will operate continuously from midnight to 10:00 p.m., with 6-minute intervals during peak hours and 10-minute intervals during off-peak hours, pausing only for 80 minutes for maintenance.

On the night of 24/8, tens of thousands of passengers crowded Cat Linh station, causing overcrowding. Video: Gia Minh

Even without free fares, the first two rehearsals saw record-breaking ridership, with the second rehearsal significantly exceeding the first. On the night of 24/8, the influx of passengers to Cat Linh station (the starting point of the Cat Linh - Ha Dong line) after the rehearsal led to overcrowding and disorder. At times, the station closed its gates to limit entry, but some passengers attempted to squeeze through, creating a safety hazard and an unpleasant scene.

Vo Hai