The lotus flower has long been an inspiration for everything from logos to skyscrapers in Vietnam. It serves as the country’s national flower, Vietnam Airlines’ emblem and inspiration for the shape of Saigon’s Bitexco Tower. Unsurprisingly, when transport officials unveiled the logo for Saigon’s first metro line, this piece of national imagery was front and center.
According to VnExpress, the new symbol merges the shape of the lotus with the letter “M” (representing “metro”). In addition, the colors convey meaning - the blue “M” seeks to communicate the idea of eco-friendly transportation, while the golden arch symbolizes the city's bright future that will be ushered in by the metro line.
The logo was selected after a three-month competition that was judged by Head of the HCMC Art Association, Huynh Van Muoi; Head of the HCMC Architects Association, Khuong Van Muoi; and Head of the HCMC Railway Department, Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoa.
Under the metro plan approved by the Prime Minister, the system will consist 8 lines:
Line 1: Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien (20km)
Line 2: Thu Thiem – West North Cu Chi residential zone (48km)
Line 3A: Ben Thanh – Tan Kien (20km)
Line 3B: Cong Hoa intersection - Hiep Binh Phuoc (12km)
Line 4A: Ben Cat Bridge – Hiep Phuoc residential zone (36 km)
Line 4B: Gia Dinh Park station – Lang Cha Ca station (5.2 km)
Line 5: Saigon Bridge – Can Giuoc bus station (17 km)
Line 6: Ba Queo – Phu Lam roundabout (6 km)
Metro line No. 1 is scheduled to open in 2020 at a cost of US$2.2 billion, though the metro’s management panel recently said that the 17km above ground section might go into operation in 2018.
