Ho Chi Minh City Accelerates Construction of Parking Lots for Metro Line 1

Ho Chi Minh City Accelerates Construction of Parking Lots for Metro Line 1

Ho Chi Minh City is currently undertaking a large-scale infrastructure project aimed at preparing for the commercial operation of Metro Line 1, which runs from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien. This project includes the construction of centralized parking lots, bus stations, and bus stops to improve intra-city transportation connections and provide a more convenient travel experience for passengers.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center (MCPT), contractors are currently simultaneously constructing five parking lots with a total area of 5,472 square meters. These parking lots are located near the Van Thanh, Thao Dien, Rach Chiec, Phuoc Long, and Binh Thai metro stations. This initiative will significantly enhance the convenience for passengers parking at these metro stations.

In addition, MCPT is constructing 67 bus shelters and 196 bus stops near 11 metro stations and along the connecting roads. These facilities will seamlessly link with the metro line, ensuring that passengers can smoothly switch between different modes of transport, thereby reducing travel time.

So far, the construction work has completed 60% of the total volume and is expected to be fully completed by August 2024. To ensure progress during the rainy season, the construction supervision unit has planned night-time construction and overtime work to cope with heavy rains during the day.

In addition to the parking lots, MCPT has also built new stops and parking areas for public transport vehicles with a total area of approximately 3,260 square meters near the Van Thanh and Binh Thai metro stations. These new parking areas include 67 bus shelters and 196 bus stops, further enhancing the connection between the metro and buses.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Council approved this project with a total investment of approximately 94 billion VND during its 10th session. The project aims to enhance the connectivity of bus routes with the metro line 1 stations. It also includes three inter-provincial bus routes connecting Binh Duong and Dong Nai, as well as 19 urban bus routes connecting residential areas, industrial zones, and high-tech zones in Ho Chi Minh City. These routes will form a branch bus and shuttle bus system, providing efficient connections to 14 Metro Line 1 stations. Notably, the shuttle buses will use small vehicles with 17-22 seats, which can easily navigate into residential areas and offer more flexible travel options.

Metro Line 1, from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien, spans a total length of 19.7 kilometers, including 2.6 kilometers underground and 17.1 kilometers elevated, with a total of 14 stations, comprising three underground and 11 elevated stations. The project's total investment, after adjustments, is 43,700 billion VND.

Despite multiple delays in the commercial operation timeline, the project has now achieved over 98% completion and aims to commence commercial operations in the fourth quarter of this year. Once completed, supported by the shuttle bus services, the project will make it significantly easier for residents to reach metro stations, greatly enhancing the overall efficiency of public transportation.