THSR Nangang Station set for July inauguration

2016/01/08

Taiwan High Speed Rail’s Nangang Station is scheduled to commence operations in mid-July, furthering the north-south reach of the network to 350 kilometers, according to THSR Corp. Jan. 6.

Doubling as a transfer hub for Taiwan Railways Administration and Taipei Metro lines, the new facility is expected to enhance operational flexibility through assuming THSR terminus functions from the smaller Taipei Main Station.

Premier Mao Chi-kuo said the rapid progress of construction work at Nangang is in keeping with the government’s commitment to developing public transportation services, citing last month’s inauguration of three additional THSR stops in Changhua, Miaoli and Yunlin Counties.

“This is good news for travelers commuting between the northern and southern regions of Taiwan,” Mao said during an inspection of the station. “With more platforms and tracks in place, Nangang is set to expand THSR’s passenger capacity while lightening the load on Taipei Main.”

In addition, Mao expects the transportation hub to spur the pace of urban development in Nangang, an eastern district of Taipei City. “After the THSR station comes on line, TRA will rebrand its section as a first-tier facility boasting an array of upgraded services.”

TRA Director-General Chou Yung-hui said the train timetable will be adjusted in September to facilitate convenient connections.

“Going forward, we are considering making Banqiao Station Taipei’s south terminal and Nangang Station Taipei’s north terminal,” Chou said, adding the move will bring the final phase of Greater Taipei’s transportation plan to completion.

“Leveraging the ready access it provides for bus, metro and rail services, we have every reason to believe Nangang Station will become a gateway for passengers traveling from Keelung, Neihu, Xizhi and Yilan around the country.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=241012&ctNode=2194&mp=9)