In the video, Hiro documented her 21-kilometre journey on the Aqua Line from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Metro Station to Bandra Kurla Complex Metro Station. She began her trip by purchasing a mango lassi from a shop inside the station, describing the drink as delicious before proceeding to purchase her metro ticket.
Although a staffed ticket counter was available, Hiro chose to use the automated ticket vending machine, which generated a QR code for entry through the Automatic Fare Collection gates. She explained that passengers simply enter the number of travellers and their destination before making payment through an Indian digital wallet, which she compared to Japan's PayPay payment platform.
After completing the mandatory security screening, Hiro entered the platform and observed several police officers and metro staff stationed throughout the premises to ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of services. She also noted that women-only coaches were available throughout the day, providing an additional layer of convenience and security for female passengers.
Hiro said she had expected larger crowds but found the metro relatively uncrowded despite travelling on a Sunday. She also highlighted the affordability of the service, stating that the fare for her journey was only Rs 50, equivalent to approximately 85 Japanese yen.
Upon reaching Bandra Kurla Complex Metro Station, Hiro demonstrated the exit process, explaining that passengers simply deposit their paper ticket into a collection box before leaving the station. She encouraged international visitors to experience the Mumbai Metro if they travel to the city.
In the caption accompanying the video, Hiro addressed common international perceptions about public transport in India. She stated that many foreigners may believe public transportation in the country is unsafe, but said her experiences using metro systems in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune had been consistently positive. According to Hiro, the metro networks she travelled on were clean, comfortable, and suitable for passengers, and she recommended them to anyone visiting India.
The video quickly gained widespread popularity, receiving more than 246,000 views and attracting numerous comments from social media users. One viewer remarked that the metro appeared clean and safe and thanked Hiro for sharing her experience. Another welcomed her to Mumbai and advised her to stay safe during the city's ongoing rainy season.
A third user commented that metro services are generally an excellent option for tourists but advised visitors using Mumbai's suburban local train network to avoid peak commuting hours between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., stating that passenger crowds during those periods can be four to eight times heavier than rush-hour conditions in Tokyo. The commenter also wished Hiro an enjoyable stay and a memorable travel experience in Mumbai.
Hiro's viral video has sparked widespread discussion by presenting a positive perspective on India's urban metro systems, highlighting their cleanliness, safety, efficient operations, and affordability while challenging long-held international stereotypes about public transportation in the country.
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