New Metro Announcement in Saigon: Important Update for Riders Effective January 1, 2026 – Don’t Miss Out on Your Benefits

During the 2026 New Year’s Day celebrations, as the demand for leisure and travel surges, Metro Line 1 (Bến Thành – Suối Tiên) is offering a free fare program on January 1, 2026. This initiative aims to facilitate easy travel and leisure activities, especially in the city center, encouraging residents to opt for public transportation over private vehicles when heading to fireworks displays and New Year’s events.

Specifically, all passengers using Metro Line 1 on January 1, 2026, will enjoy free fares by following the designated methods outlined by the operator. The first method involves using a chip-embedded national ID card, which can be scanned directly at the ticket gates to enter the station and board the train. The second method utilizes the QR code feature on the HCMC Metro HURC app. Passengers simply need to download the app, select the “QR Reach Out” function to generate an e-ticket, and then scan the QR code at the ticket gates. This feature will be available on the app starting January 1, 2026, and is valid exclusively on New Year’s Day.

Additionally, passengers without smartphones can obtain free paper tickets with QR codes from automated kiosks within the stations and scan them at the gates to board the train.

The operator emphasizes that during the free fare program, passengers will only be eligible for free travel when using one of the three specified methods. If tickets are purchased through conventional means, the system will charge the regular fare, and the company will not refund the amount paid. Therefore, passengers must carefully select the correct ticketing method to ensure their benefits when traveling on January 1, 2026.

In conjunction with the free fare policy, Metro Line 1 will also enhance its operations throughout the 2026 New Year’s Day holiday to accommodate the increased travel demand. On January 1, Metro Line 1 will operate a total of 276 trips. Notably, 20 trips will run through the night from 12:30 AM to 2:00 AM to serve passengers returning from New Year’s fireworks displays. Subsequently, the metro will continue with 256 trips from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM on the same day, ensuring seamless travel throughout the first day of the year.

With a significant increase in passenger numbers expected, residents are advised to follow station staff instructions, queue orderly when entering the station and boarding the train, and ensure personal safety and property security, especially during late-night hours and peak times. Choosing the metro during the holiday not only ensures a convenient and cost-effective journey but also contributes to reducing traffic congestion in central Ho Chi Minh City during the New Year transition.