Ho Chi Minh City Connects Metro Stations and Bus Stops with Smart Shelters

Ho Chi Minh City is installing hundreds of meters of sheltered walkways connecting metro stations in Ben Thanh and Thao Dien with bus stops. This initiative aims to make transfers between public transport modes more convenient, shielding passengers from the sun and sudden rain, a common issue in the city's tropical climate. The installations are particularly timely as the city began offering free bus services from early July. The sheltered walkway at Ben Thanh Station, which has been in use for about a week, leads passengers from within the September 23 Park directly to the bus stops and the main entrances of the city's largest underground metro station. This zigzag-shaped structure spans approximately 300 meters, with access points to Pham Ngu Lao and Le Lai streets. In conjunction with the shelters, new bus stops with modern amenities have been installed along Pham Ngu Lao Street. These shelters, designed for major transit points, feature LCD screens displaying route information, LED lighting, night-time identification panels, security cameras, and USB/Type-C charging ports. Their enclosed design ensures passengers moving between the metro and bus stops are protected from the elements. At Thao Dien Station, about 10 km away, similar sheltered walkways were completed in late July. This station was the first of the 14 stations on the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line to receive this upgrade, connecting the bus stop area to the station entrance via covered walkways on Quoc Huong street. These infrastructure improvements are part of a broader plan to enhance public transportation and connectivity, especially between the metro and bus networks. Ho Chi Minh City is actively promoting public transit use by offering free fares on 134 bus routes and is committed to improving the quality of its public transport facilities, including stations and waiting areas. The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line will eventually comprise 14 stations. Ho Chi Minh City has ambitious plans to expand its urban railway network to 255 km by 2030, a significant increase from its current capacity.