Passengers on the elevated section of the Nhổn-Hà Nội Railway Station urban railway line on the first day of operation on August 8. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The 8.5km elevated section of the Nhổn-Hà Nội Railway Station urban railway line has seen over 250,000 passengers in its first four days, according to Hà Nội Metro Co, Ltd.

This figure is significantly higher than the numbers recorded on the Cát Linh-Hà Đông line.

Hà Nội Metro reported that the metro line recorded over 34,000 passengers on August 8, more than 52,000 on August 9 and over 66,000 on August 10. The peak was reached on August 11, when the Nhổn - Cầu Giấy line saw over 100,000 passengers, bringing the total for the first four days to over 250,000.

Hà Nội Metro, which operates both the Cát Linh - Hà Đông and Nhổn - Hà Nội lines, noted that these numbers far exceed initial expectations. Previously, the Cát Linh - Hà Đông line, the first metro line in the country, had a peak day on May 1, 2023, with just over 58,000 passengers.

The Nhổn - Cầu Giấy section, which covers 8.5km and has eight stations, has a higher passenger count than the longer 13.1km Cát Linh - Hà Đông line with 12 stations.

Vũ Hồng Trường, General Director of Hà Nội Metro Co,Ltd, commented on the unexpected popularity of the Nhổn - Cầu Giấy section, noting that this reflects growing public interest and trust in the metro system. During peak times, the Nhổn - Cầu Giấy line accommodated about 12,500 passengers per station, with an average of 320.5 passengers per train, all while maintaining safety.

Despite its shorter length, the Nhổn - Cầu Giấy line passes by 11 universities, including Hà Nội University of Industry, Việt Nam University of Commerce, Hà Nội National University of Education, Academy of Journalism and Communication, University of Transport and Communications and six members of the Vietnam National University - Hà Nội, namely the University of Foreign Languages Studies, National Economics University, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Education and University of Law.

According to the Hà Nội’s People's Committee, the fare for a single journey on the line is VNĐ8,000, while a full line ticket costs VNĐ12,000. The monthly pass is priced at VNĐ200,000, with a discounted rate of VNĐ100,000 for students. A group ticket is available for VNĐ140,000 per month.

The Nhổn – Hà Nội urban railway line offers free tickets for children under six, war veterans, seniors over 60 and people with disabilities.

Feedback from passengers over the past few days indicated that while stations are busy, staff have shown professionalism in managing the crowds. Hà Nội Metro leadership has been on-site at all times to oversee operations and support staff.

Hà Nội Metro anticipated that starting August 12, the number of passengers using the line for recreational purposes will decrease, while those using it for commuting to work and school will increase and stabilise. — VNS