HCMC proposes metro station shop rentals
Local authorities believe that adding retail and dining options at metro stations could boost ridership while generating more revenue.
THE HANOI TIMES — Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Industry and Trade has floated the idea of piloting shop rentals at stations along the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line to enhance public convenience, boost ridership, and develop a metro-linked retail ecosystem.
The proposal was sent to the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1) on July 28 in response to a request from Saigon Co.op to open retail outlets at metro stations.
Extending nearly 20 kilometers with 14 stations (three underground and 11 elevated), the metro line currently offers limited amenities beyond transportation.
Rental and food services inside the station is still limited. Photo: HCMC Metro
The department believes that integrating retail and food services could increase revenue while encouraging the public to use mass transit more often.
Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have demonstrated that metro systems with integrated commercial spaces can significantly improve the passenger experience and profitability.
As Ho Chi Minh City plans to expand its metro network to 355 km by 2035, it is essential to plan for commercial infrastructure early on in order to optimize urban investment and stimulate consumer demand.
Since launching in December 2024, the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line has carried over 10 million passengers in seven months, averaging more than 52,300 riders daily, surpassing initial expectations.
