Vietnam's urban rail boom eases commuter costs amid rising fuel prices

Rising fuel prices and traffic congestion are pushing more commuters in Hà Nội and Ho Chi Minh City toward urban rail services. With metro systems offering stable fares and faster travel, students and office workers are making the switch to cut costs and save time.

In Hà Nội, metro ridership has climbed noticeably in early 2024. The Nhổn-Hà Nội Station line saw daily passenger numbers rise by over 19,000, averaging around 27,000 per day. Meanwhile, the Cát Linh-Hà Đông line added nearly 25,000 more passengers, reaching about 39,000 daily. From March 1 to March 11 alone, Hanoi Metro Company Limited reported a 7% overall increase across both routes.

Longer queues and packed carriages now mark rush hours, as commuters like Nguyễn Thị Thu Hà opt for the metro over private vehicles. She finds it both cheaper and quicker than driving. Similarly, in Ho Chi Minh City, office workers and students are turning to the newly opened Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien), which launched on December 22, 2024. Trịnh Thị Bích Diệp, a student, has already reduced her travel costs by switching from a motorbike to a monthly metro pass. With no metro services operating in either city before late 2024, this shift reflects growing reliance on rail transport as living expenses rise.

The metro's appeal lies in its predictable pricing and ability to bypass traffic. As more residents adopt it, ridership numbers continue to grow. For now, the trend shows no signs of slowing in both major cities.