Diep Minh Xuan, a resident of An Phuoc commune, Dong Nai City, said: "With better infrastructure, people can live farther away and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle without having to move into the city centre."
Although it still takes Minh Xuan a considerable amount of time to travel from her home in Dong Nai to the station, she now enjoys a more comfortable and flexible daily commute thanks to Metro Line No. 1. For her, living farther away is a financial trade-off. And as public transport continues to bridge geographical gaps, this choice is becoming increasingly viable.
However, for metro services to become part of daily life, fast trains alone are not enough. Commuters also need convenient access to stations, with feeder buses, parking facilities and suitable transport options.
Nguyen Ngoc Tung, a resident of Tan Son Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, said: "Young people tend to live farther away. Also, there is often nowhere to park their motorbikes at metro stations, which is inconvenient."
Building on its first metro line, Ho Chi Minh City aims to develop a wider urban rail network, with around 255 kilometres of track across eight lines targeted for completion by 2030. Special mechanisms have been introduced to accelerate project preparation and implementation.
Phan Cong Bang, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board said: "We have special mechanisms for urban rail projects, including exemptions from investment policy approval requirements, direct contractor appointment, and policies on construction materials, waste disposal and site clearance. These measures help speed up procedures and bring projects to the groundbreaking stage sooner."
Following the administrative merger, Ho Chi Minh City has expanded to encompass more residential, industrial and service areas, as well as transport hubs. This calls for better-integrated infrastructure, with the metro playing a key role not only in daily commuting but also in shaping a more polycentric city.
Nguyen Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, said: "The city’s expansion following the merger of localities poses new challenges for infrastructure connectivity and urban development. At the same time, it offers an opportunity to rethink the city's overall planning for the years ahead."
If developed quickly and as an integrated network, the metro system could shorten travel times, expand options for living and working, and ease pressure on the city centre. The metro would then become more than a means of transport. It would help shape the future of Ho Chi Minh City.
