In the winter time, the metro begins operation at 6:00 am and the last train departs at 9:00 pm.

[2] Line 1 is oriented along the east–west axis of the urban area of Harbin, from northeast to southwest.

The initial investment was estimated to cost US$643 million.́ The project was headed by the Harbin Municipal People's Government Metro Construction, which established a Track Traffic Construction Office led by the city's construction commission.́ In 2006, an official "Initiation Ceremony of Harbin Metro Trial Project" was held, signifying the actual implementation of Harbin Line 1 project.

[12] In March 2011 the contract for traincars for first line was signed with Changchun Railway Vehicles co. ltd.

The target date for opening of the first line, 17.47 km in length, with 18 stations was set to the end of 2012.