The Sky’s the Limit: Metro Nhon – Cau Giay Soars Above Vietnam’s Elevated Railway Records

Hanoi Metro reported impressive ridership figures for the Nhon – Cau Giay urban railway section, with over 34,000 passengers on August 8, over 52,000 on August 9, and a remarkable surge to more than 66,000 on August 10. The peak was reached on August 11, with this 8.5-km line welcoming over 100,000 passengers, bringing the four-day total to an astonishing 250,000 trips.

According to Hanoi Metro, the operator of both the Cat Linh – Ha Dong and Nhon – Hanoi Station lines, these numbers far exceeded expectations. In comparison, the Cat Linh – Ha Dong line, the country’s first urban railway, reached its highest daily ridership of over 58,000 on May 1, 2023.

Notably, the Nhon – Cau Giay section serves only eight stations along its 8.5-km route, which is two-thirds the length of the Cat Linh – Ha Dong line. Despite its shorter distance, it has attracted a significantly higher number of passengers, highlighting the project’s effectiveness.

Dr. Vu Hong Truong, General Director of Hanoi Metro, shared his surprise at the new Nhon – Cau Giay section’s appeal. He attributed the high ridership to the growing popularity and trust in the metro system among Hanoi residents. During peak hours, each station along the Nhon – Cau Giay line served approximately 12,500 passengers, with an average of 320.5 passengers per train, all while maintaining a safe operation.

The 8.5-km Nhon – Cau Giay metro line passes by 11 universities: Hanoi University of Industry, Hanoi University of Commerce, Hanoi National University of Education, Academy of Journalism and Communication, Hanoi University of Transport, and six members of the Vietnam National University, including the University of Languages and International Studies, University of Economics and Business, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Education, and University of Law.

As per the Hanoi People’s Committee’s decision, the fare for a single trip on the urban railway is VND 8,000 for one station and VND 12,000 for the entire line. A daily pass costs VND 24,000 and is valid for unlimited trips within a day. Monthly passes are available at VND 200,000 for regular passengers and VND 100,000 for students and pupils. Group tickets are priced at VND 140,000 per month. The Nhon – Hanoi Station urban railway offers free rides for privileged groups, including children under six, people with meritorious services, seniors over 60, and people with disabilities.

Feedback from passengers during the initial days of operation has been positive, with all stations experiencing high passenger traffic. The railway staff demonstrated professionalism in managing the crowds, and Hanoi Metro’s leadership was present at all times to provide support and guidance to their team.

Hanoi Metro anticipates a decrease in the number of passengers trying out the line from August 12 onwards, with an increase in regular commuters, including students and workers, expected to stabilize.