Ho Chi Minh City Unveils 17 Electric Bus Routes to Enhance Metro Line 1 Connectivity

On December 17, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed nearly 100 electric buses that will link passengers with Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien), with services starting on December 20.

The buses are housed at a spacious terminal located along National Highway 13 in Thu Duc City, which covers thousands of square meters.

The transport company, Futabuslines, which has the contract for operation, is currently in the final stages of preparation for these electric buses. This includes branding with logos, setting up signage, customizing exteriors, and installing rearview mirrors.

To support the bus fleet, the terminal will be supplied with 15 charging stations, each with a capacity of either 180 kWh or 240 kWh for efficient recharging.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has announced that all 17 bus routes linked to the metro stations will utilize electric buses, emphasizing environmental sustainability. These buses are designed with a unique appearance, featuring attractive blue and yellow wave motifs for better visibility.

LED displays are installed at both the front and back of the buses to indicate route numbers and names.

Additionally, the buses come outfitted with enhanced features such as WiFi, air conditioning, electronic route information systems, and facilities for passengers with disabilities, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.

The electric bus service will officially commence on December 20, just days before the trial runs of Metro Line 1 begin.

These electric buses will facilitate transportation between metro stations and various locations, including residential neighborhoods, bus depots, tech hubs, shopping areas, and educational institutions. Launching these routes in advance will allow the public to get accustomed to the service, enhancing access to metro stations as Metro Line 1 opens.