Ho Chi Minh City installs canopies connecting bus stops to metro stations

A canopy system, 2,8 m high and 2,4 m wide, has been installed along walkways between metro stations and bus stops, offering passengers shelter from sun and rain and facilitating easier transfers.

Thao Dien Station in Thu Duc City is the first of 14 stations on the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line to feature a canopy system. These structures are placed along two pedestrian corridors: one from Quoc Huong street, near Saigon Bridge, and another from Vo Nguyen Giap street leading into the station. The two canopy sections, approximately 20 m and nearly 200 m long, respectively, allow passengers to move comfortably between nearby bus stops and the metro.

The canopies are domed, measuring 2,4 m wide and 2,8 m high, covered with cool corrugated iron sheets in colors that match the station's architecture. LED lighting is installed underneath, along with benches for passengers. This system is expected to be extended to several other stations in July.

Canopies installed at the entrance to Thao Dien metro station. Photo: Thanh Tung

Canopies installed at the entrance to Thao Dien metro station. Photo: Thanh Tung

This project is part of a plan to improve pedestrian infrastructure and enhance connectivity between buses and the metro, implemented by the Public Transport Management Center and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction.

According to the implementing unit, canopies are prioritized for installation on walkways directly connecting stations to bus stops, residential areas, schools, and hospitals. These canopy sections must be continuous, without obstructing access to private homes, to provide greater convenience for pedestrians in Ho Chi Minh City's climate of frequent heat and heavy rain. The structures feature a simple design, quick construction time, and low cost.

Canopies connecting a bus stop on Vo Nguyen Giap street to Thao Dien metro station. Photo: Thanh Tung

Canopies connecting a bus stop on Vo Nguyen Giap street to Thao Dien metro station. Photo: Thanh Tung

Alongside canopy installation, connecting infrastructure around the stations is also being upgraded. At Ben Thanh Station, the city is adding bus shelters and canopies from station exits to Le Lai and Pham Ngu Lao streets. Van Thanh Park, An Phu, Rach Chiec, Thu Duc, and National University stations are also receiving additional shelters and sidewalk renovations to improve passenger convenience.

Ho Chi Minh City currently offers free fares on 134 bus routes to encourage public transport use and reduce travel costs. The city is also working to improve the quality of vehicles, terminals, stops, shelters, and transfer points, especially in areas connected to the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line.