Minsheng-Xizhi metro line preparations get underway

2014-10-22

Preparations for the Minsheng-Xizhi metro line were announced Oct. 21 during a special ceremony by Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin and New Taipei Mayor Eric Chu.

The NT$110 billion (US$3.6 billion) project connecting Dadaocheng in Taipei City with Xizhi in New Taipei City boasts 15 stations along a 17.39-kilometer route. Preliminary work involves planning first-phase construction of the Neihu-Xizhi section.

“Following groundbreaking for the Tamsui light-rail system in September, the project is expected to bring the twin cities even closer,” Hau said. “Feasibility of the new line has been approved by the Cabinet, with a start date expected to be greenlighted soon.”

Echoing Hau’s remarks, Chu said the project is central to the goal of providing enhanced public transportation links between Greater Taipei and Keelung City.

“In addition to a planned branch line linking the Minsheng-Xizhi and Wenhu lines at Neihu District’s Donghu Station, we are mulling the possibility of extending the service eastward to Keelung, turning the northernmost part of Taiwan into a world-class metropolis.”

The Minsheng-Xizhi line is a medium-capacity system. Together with the Tamsui light rail, it will lay the foundation for New Taipei City’s extended metro network consisting of three loops and three lines.

Connecting business hubs and densely populated communities, the line is projected to significantly ease daily commuter traffic in the metropolitan area.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=223118&CtNode=413)