| Taipei Metro (Taipei Rapid Transit System) |
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| Info | |||
| Locale | Taipei and New Taipei, Republic of China (Taiwan) |
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| Transit type | Rapid transit | ||
| Number of lines | 10[1][2] | ||
| Number of stations | 89 | ||
| Daily ridership | 1.38 million (2010)[3] 1.58 million (Nov. 2011)[3] |
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| Annual ridership | 505.5 million (2010)[4] | ||
| Headquarters | 7, Lane 48, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd., 10448, Taipei City, Taiwan | ||
| Operation | |||
| Began operation | March 28, 1996 | ||
| Operator(s) | Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation | ||
| Technical | |||
| Track gauge | High-capacity: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) (standard gauge)[5] Medium-capacity: 1,880 mm (6 ft 2 in)[6] |
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| Minimum radius of curvature | High-capacity: 200 m[7] Medium-capacity: 30 m[7] |
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| Electrification | Third rail 750 V DC | ||
| Average speed | High-capacity: 34 km/h Medium-capacity: 33 km/h[7] |
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| Top speed | High-capacity: 90 km/h Medium-capacity: 80 km/h[7] |
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| Traditional Chinese | 台北大眾捷運系統 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 台北大众捷运系统 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Traditional Chinese | 台北捷運 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 台北捷运 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Traditional Chinese | 台北大眾捷運公司 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 台北大众捷运公司 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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The Taipei Metro, more commonly known as the MRT or formally as the Taipei Rapid Transit System, is a rapid transit system serving metropolitan Taipei in Taiwan. The system is built and operated by the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) and consists of 89 stations and 101.9 km (63.3 mi) of revenue track. The system carried an average of over 1.6 million passengers per day in December 2010.[3]
The Taipei Metro is Taiwan's first metro system.[8] Since it first began operations in 1996, the system has been effective in relieving some of Taipei's traffic congestion problems.[9] The system has also proved effective as a catalyst for urban renewal, as well as increasing tourist traffic to outlying cities such as Tamsui. Conversions to existing railway lines were made to integrate them into the metro system.
Contents |
The system operates according to a spoke-hub distribution paradigm, with most rail lines running radially outward from central Taipei. The MRT system operates from 6 am to midnight daily,[10] with extended services during special events (such as New Year festivities).[11] Trains operate at intervals of 1.5 to 15 minutes depending on the line and time of day.[10][12] Smoking is forbidden in the entire metro system, while eating, drinking, chewing gum, and betel nuts are forbidden within the yellow line of each station.[13]
Stations become extremely crowded during rush hours, especially at transfer stations such as Taipei Main Station, Zhongxiao Fuxing, and Minquan West Road. Automated station announcements are recorded in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English.[14]
RFID IC Tokens and EasyCard smart cards are used to collect fares for day-to-day use, with the exception of group tickets and bicycle access tickets (which use paper tickets).[16] The Kaohsiung MRT Card and Taiwan Smart Card will begin to be accepted by the end of 2011 with the installation of multiple card readers.[17]
Fares range from NT$20 to NT$65 with most locations accessible for around NT$20–30. Beginning April 1, 2011, senior citizens and physically challenged individuals will be entitled to a 50% discount on fares.[18] The fare for the first 5 km on a one-way ticket is NT$20, and each additional 3 km costs an extra NT$5, up to NT$65.[19] A 20% discount is taken with use of an EasyCard. The table below shows fare amounts versus distance.
| Distance (km) |
≤5 | 5~8 | 8~11 | 11~14 | 14~17 | 17~20 | 20~23 | 23~27 | 27~31 | ≥31 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fare (NT$) |
20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 |
| Fare using EasyCard | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 40 | 44 | 48 | 52 |
The Taipei Metro is one of the most expensive rapid transit systems ever constructed,[21] with Phase One of the system costing US$18 billion[22] and Phase Two (currently under construction) estimated to cost US$13.8 billion upon completion.
In 1967, the government of the Republic of China began researching the possibility of constructing a rapid transit network in the Taipei metropolitan area; however, the plan was shelved due to fiscal concerns and the belief that such a system was not urgently needed at the time. With the increase of traffic congestion accompanying economic growth in the 1970s, the need for a rapid transit system became more pressing.[23] In February 1977, the Institute of Transportation (IOT) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) released a preliminary rapid transport system report, with the designs of five lines, including U1, U2, U3, S1, and S2, to form a rough sketch of the planned corridors, resulting in the first rapid transit system plan for Taipei.[24]
In 1981, the IOT invited British Mass Transit Consultants (BMTC) and China Engineering Consultants, Inc. to form a team and provide in-depth research on the preliminary report.[24] In 1982, the Taipei City Government commissioned National Chiao Tung University to do a research and feasibility study on medium-capacity rapid transit systems. In January 1984, the university proposed an initial design for a medium-capacity rapid transit system in Taipei City, including plans for Line 1 and Line 2 of the medium-capacity metro system.[24] On March 1, 1985, the Executive Yuan Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) signed a treaty with the Taipei Transit Council (TTC), composed of three American consultant firms, to do overall research on a rapid transit system in metropolitan Taipei. Apart from adjustments made to the initial proposal, Line 1 of the medium-capacity metro system was also included into the network. In 1986, the initial network design of the Taipei Metro by the CEPD was passed by the Executive Yuan, although the network corridors were not yet set.[25] A budget of NT$441.7 billion (US$13.4 billion) was allocated for the project.[26]
On June 27, 1986, the Preparatory Office of Rapid Transit Systems was created,[22] which in 1987 was formally established as the Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) for the task of handling planning, design, and construction of the system.[26] Apart from preparing for the construction of the metro system, DORTS also made small changes to the metro corridor. The 6 lines proposed on the initial network were:[24] Tamsui Line, Xindian Line, Zhonghe Line, Nangang Line, Banqiao Line, and Muzha (now Wenshan) Line, totaling 79 stations and 76.8 km (47.7 mi) route length,[26] including 34.4 km (21.4 mi) of elevated rail, 9.5 km (5.9 mi) at ground level, and 44.2 km (27.5 mi) underground.[22] The Neihu Line corridor was approved later in 1990.
The Executive Yuan approved the initial network plan for the system on May 27, 1986.[25] Ground was broken and construction began on December 15, 1988.[25] The growing traffic problems of the time, compounded by road closures due to TRTS construction led to what became popularly known as the "Dark Age of Taipei Traffic". The TRTS was the center of political controversy during its construction and shortly after the opening of its first line in 1996 due to incidents such as computer malfunction during a thunderstorm, alleged structural problems in some elevated segments, budget overruns, and fare prices.
The system opened on March 28, 1996, with the 10.5 km (6.5 mi) elevated Muzha Line, a driverless, medium-capacity line[25] with twelve stations running from Zhongshan Junior High School to Taipei Zoo. The first high-capacity line, the Tamsui Line, began service on March 28, 1997, running from Tamsui to Zhongshan Station. On December 23, 1998, the system passed the milestone of 100 million passengers.[27]
On December 24, 1999, a section of the Banqiao/Nangang Line was opened between Longshan Temple and Taipei City Hall.[25] This section became the first east-west line running through the city, connecting the two previously completed north-south lines. On May 31, 2006, the second stage of the Banqiao/Nangang Line and the Tucheng Line began operation.[25]
On July 4, 2009, with the opening of the Neihu Line, the last of the six original lines was completed. Due to controversy on whether to construct a medium-capacity or high-capacity line, construction of the line did not begin until 2002.[28]
On September 17, 2001, Typhoon Nari flooded all underground tracks as well as 16 stations, the heavy-capacity system operation control center, the administration building, and the Nangang Depot.[29] The elevated Muzha Line was not seriously affected and resumed operations the next day.[9] However, the heavy-capacity lines were not restored to full operational status until three months later. Following this incident, TRTS has devoted more resources to flood prevention in the underground system.
On July 4, 2007, the Maokong Gondola, a new aerial lift/cable-car system, was opened to public. The system connects Taipei Zoo, Chi Nan Temple, and Maokong. Service was suspended on October 1, 2008 due to erosion from mudslides under a support pillar following Typhoon Jangmi.[30] The gondola officially resumed service as of March 31, 2010, after relocation of the pillar and passing safety inspections.[31]
On New Year's Eve 2009 and New Year's Day 2010, the Metro system transported 2.17 million passengers in 42 consecutive hours. On April 22, 2010 after 14 years of service, the system achieved the milestone of 4 billion cumulative riders.[32] On December 29, 2010, the system passed the benchmark of 500 million annual passengers for the first time.[33] The record for single day ridership hit 2.5 million passengers during the New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31, 2010.[34][35]
Despite earlier controversy, by the time the first phase of construction was completed in 2000, it was generally agreed that the metro project was a success and has since become an essential part of life in Taipei. The system has been effective in reducing traffic congestion in the city and has spurred the revival of satellite towns (like Tamsui) and development of new areas (like Nangang).[9][36] The system has also helped to increase average vehicle speed for routes running from New Taipei into Taipei.[37] Property prices along metro routes (both new and existing) tend to increase with the opening of more lines.[38][39]
Since the Taipei Metro joined the Nova International Railway Benchmarking Group and the Community of Metros (Nova/CoMET) in 2002, it has started collecting and analyzing data of the 33 Key Performance Indicators set by Nova/CoMET in order to compare them with those of other metro systems around the world, as a reference to improve its operation. Taipei Metro also has gained keys to success from case studies on different subjects such as safety, reliability, and incidents, and from the operational experiences of other metro systems.[40]
According to a study conducted by the Railway Technology Strategy Centre of Imperial College,[41] and data gathered by Nova/CoMET, the Taipei Metro has ranked number 1 in the world for four consecutive years in terms of reliability, safety, and quality standards (2004–2007).[7]
The Taipei Metro provides an obstacle-free environment within the entire system; all stations and trains are handicap accessible. Features include:[42][43][44] handicap-capable restrooms, ramps and elevators for wheelchairs and strollers, tactile guide paths, extra-wide faregates, and trains with a designated wheelchair area.[45]
To accommodate increasing passenger numbers, all metro stations have replaced turnstiles with speedgates since 2007, and single journey magnetic cards have been replaced by RFID tokens.[20] TRTS provides free mobile phone connections in all stations, trains, and tunnels and also provides WiFi WLAN connections at several station hotspots.[46] The world's first WiMAX-service metro trains were introduced on the Wenshan Line in 2007, allowing passengers to access the internet and watch live broadcasts.[47]
Most stations on high-capacity lines have island platform configurations while a few have side platform configurations, and vice versa for medium-capacity lines. All high-capacity metro stations have a 150 m (490 ft) long platform to accommodate all six train cars on a typical metro train (with the exception of Xiaobitan). The width of the platform and concourse depends on the volume of transit; the largest stations include Taipei Main Station, Zhongxiao Fuxing, and Taipei City Hall. Some future transfer stations, including Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Guting, and Songjiang Nanjing, also have wide platforms.
Each station is equipped with LED displays and LCD TVs both in the concourse and on the platforms which display the time of arrival of the next train. At all underground stations, red lights along the platform edge (or on automatic platform gates at stations where they are installed) flash one minute prior to train arrival to alert passengers.
All the stations on the Brown Line and Xinzhuang/Luzhou Lines, as well as at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, are equipped with platform screen doors. High-traffic stations, including Taipei Main Station, Zhongxiao Fuxing, and Taipei City Hall,[48][49] have platform gates to prevent passengers and other objects from falling onto the rails.[7] For safety reasons, fifteen additional stations will be equipped with these gates in the future (including Ximen, Guting, and Banqiao).[50][51] All lines and extensions currently under construction will be equipped with platform screen doors. A Track Intrusion Detection System has also been installed to improve passenger safety at stations without platform doors.[7] The system uses infrared and radio detectors to monitor unusual movement in the track area.[52]
In addition to the rapid transit system itself, the TRTC operates several public facilities such as underground shopping malls, parks, and public squares in and around stations,[53] including:
As of 2008 there are 102 shops within the stations themselves.[7]
In the initial network, important stations such as transfer stations, terminal stations, and stations with heavy passenger flow were chosen for the installation of public art. The principles behind the locations of public art were visual focus and non-interference with passenger circulation and construction schedules. The artworks included murals, children's mosaic collages, sculptures, hung forms, spatial art, interactive art, and window displays. The selection methods included open competitions, invitational competitions, direct assignments, and cooperation with children.
Stations with public art displays include: Shuanglian, National Taiwan University Hospital, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Guting, Gongguan, Xindian, Xiaobitan, Dingxi, Nanshijiao, Taipei City Hall, Kunyang, Nangang, Haishan, and Tucheng. Stations with art galleries include Zhongshan, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Zhongxiao Fuxing, and Taipei Main Station.
The promotion for artwork continues today - the Department of Rapid Transit held a bid on providing public large scale artwork for the interiors of the forthcoming Sanchong Station. The bid is placed at over NTD 9 million.[55]
Transfers to city bus stations are available at all metro stations. In 2009, transfer volume between the metro and bus systems reached 421,100 transfers per day (counting only EasyCard users).[56] Connections to Taiwan Railway Administration trains are available at Taipei Main Station, Banqiao, and Nangang. Connections to Taiwan High Speed Rail are served by Taipei Main Station and Banqiao (with future service to Nangang under construction). Connections to Taipei Bus Station and Taipei City Hall Bus Station are available at Taipei Main Station and Taipei City Hall Station, respectively. The Maokong Gondola is accessible from Taipei Zoo.
Taipei Songshan Airport is served by the Songshan Airport Station.[57] A metro system to connect Taipei to Taoyuan International Airport is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2013. Lines currently under construction will connect the system to additional TRA and THSR transfer stations.
Rolling stocks on the Taipei Metro are multiple unit rolling stocks, using a third rail to provide electricity (750 volts DC) for propulsion. Each train is equipped with automatic train operation (ATO) for a partial or complete automatic train piloting and driverless functions.
The medium-capacity trains are rubber-tired trains with no onboard train operators but are operated remotely by the medium-capacity system operation control center. The Wenshan-Neihu Line uses a fixed-block Automatic Train Control (ATC) system. Each train consists of two 2-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) sets, with a total of 4 cars.[58] Each car is separate and not interconnected; passengers cannot walk between cars except when the train stops at a station.
The Wenshan Line previously used the VAL 256 trains cars, with the two VAL 256 cars in the same set sharing the same road number. As a result of this numbering scheme, the 102 cars of the VAL fleet have car numbers from 1 to 51. On June 2003, Bombardier was awarded a contract to supply the Neihu Line with 202 Innovia 256 train cars [1], installing the communications-based CITYFLO 650 moving-block ATC system to replace the current fixed-block ATC and retrofitting the existing 102 VAL 256 cars with the CITYFLO 650 ATC system. Integration of Bombardier's trains with the existing Brown Line has proven to be difficult at the beginning, with multiple system malfunctions and failures during the first three months of operation.[59] Retrofitting older trains also took longer than expected, as the trains must also undergo several hours of reliability testing during non-service hours. The VAL 256 trains resumed operations since December 2010.
The heavy-capacity trains have steel wheels and are operated by an on-board train operator. The trains are computer-controlled. The operator, who is both motorman and conductor, is responsible for opening and closing the doors and making announcements. ATC controls all train movements - braking, acceleration and speed control, but can be manually overridden by the operator in the case of an emergency.
Each train consists of two 3-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) sets with a total of 6 cars.[58] Each 3-car EMU set is permanently coupled as DM-T-M, where DM is the motor car with cab, T is a trailer car and M is the motor car without cab. Each motor car has two AC traction motors. The configuration of a 6-car train is DM-T-M-M-T-DM. All cars are interconnected by passage links to allow passengers to pass freely between cars.
In Set XXX, the road number of a DM car is 1XXX, the road number of a T car is 2XXX and the road number of an M car is 3XXX. The table below shows the set numbers of the heavy-capacity car types, which include Types C301, C321, C341 and C371. For example, if the car numbers of a C301 train is 1001-2001-3001-3002-2002-1002, two C301 sets 001 and 002 form this train.
A single set cannot be in revenue service except C371 single sets 397-399, where their M car is exactly a DM car despite its car number being 3XXX. These single sets run exclusively on Xinbeitou Branch Line and Xiaobitan Branch Line.[60] Before the C371 single sets were in revenue service on July 22, 2006, the M cars of C301 sets 013-014 were converted to temporary cab cars to run the Xinbeitou Branch Line.
In 2010, the new C381 was built for Taipei Metro to cope with increasing passenger ridership and the expansion of its network route. However, since its delivery the train sets have yet to be put into service, though some are planned for use with the future Xinyi and Songshan Lines.
| Car Type |
Year Built |
Builder | Car Length/ Width/ Height |
Seating capacity per car |
Total capacity Per car |
Max. speed |
Fleet total |
Car numbers | Lines currently on |
Denotes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAL 256 |
1993 | Matra | 13.78 m/ 2.56 m/ 3.53 m |
24 | 114 | 80 km/h |
102 | MP 1-51[61] | ATC retrofit completed; under testing |
2-car set |
| Innovia 256 | 2006- | Bombardier | 13.78 m/ 2.54 m/ 3.53 m |
20 | 142 | 80 km/h |
202 | MP 101-201[61] | Wenshan Line Neihu Line |
2-car set |
| C301 | 1992- 1993 |
URC (Subsidiary of Kawasaki) |
23.5 m/ 3.2 m/ 3.6 m |
60 | 368 | 90 km/h |
132 | 1001-1044 (DM[62]) 2001-2044 (T[63]) 3001-3044 (M[64]) |
All heavy- capacity lines |
3-car set (DM-T-M)[65] Set no.: 001-044 |
| C321 | 1997- 1999 |
Siemens AG | 23.5 m/ 3.2 m/ 3.6 m |
60 | 368 | 90 km/h |
216 | 1101-1172 (DM) 2101-2172 (T) 3101-3172 (M) |
All heavy- capacity lines |
3-car set (DM-T-M)[66] Set no.: 101-172 |
| C341 | 2003 | Siemens AG | 23.5 m/ 3.2 m/ 3.6 m |
60 | 368 | 90 km/h |
36 | 1201-1212 (DM) 2201-2212 (T) 3201-3212 (M) |
Banqiao – Nangang Line Tucheng Line |
3-car set (DM-T-M)[67] Set no.: 201-212 |
| C371 | 2006- 2010 |
Kawasaki | 23.5 m/ 3.2 m/ 3.6 m |
60 | 368 | 90 km/h |
321 | 1301–1338, 1397-1399, 1401-1466 (DM) 2301-2338, 2397-2399, 2401-2466 (T) 3301-3338, 3397-3399,[68] 3401-3466 (M) |
All heavy- capacity lines |
3-car set (DM-T-M)[69] Set no.: 301-338, 397-399, 401-466 |
| C381 | 2010- | Kawasaki | 23.5 m/ 3.2 m/ 3.6 m |
60 | 368 | 90 km/h |
138 | 1501-1546 (DM) 2501-2546 (T) 3501-3546 (M) |
All heavy- capacity lines |
3-car set (DM-T-M)[70] Set no.: 501-546 |
The system currently has 8 depots, with more under construction.[71]
| Depot Name | Year Opened | Location | Rolling Stock Housed | Line(s) Served |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzha | 1996 | Wenshan, northeast of Taipei Zoo Station | CITYFLO 650, VAL256 | Wenshan Line |
| Beitou | 1997 | Beitou, southwest of Fuxinggang Station | Kawasaki C301, C371 | Tamsui Line Xinbeitou Branch Line |
| Zhonghe | 1998 | Zhonghe, east of Nanshijiao Station | Kawasaki C301, C371 | Zhonghe Line |
| Xindian | 1999 | Xindian, northwest of Xiaobitan Station | Kawasaki C301, C371 Siemens C321, C341 |
Xindian Line Xiaobitan Branch Line |
| Nangang | 2000 | Nangang, southeast of Kunyang Station | Siemens C321, C341 | Nangang Line |
| Tucheng | 2006 | Tucheng, southwest of Far Eastern Hospital Station | Siemens C321, C341 | Tucheng Line |
| Neihu | 2009 | Nangang, northeast of Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station | CITYFLO 650 | Neihu Line |
| Luzhou | 2010 | Luzhou, northeast of Luzhou Station | Kawasaki C371 | Luzhou Line |
The following lines and segments are currently under construction:[15][72][73][74]
| Line | Planned opening date | Termini | Stations | Length (km) | Depot | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Line | Xinzhuang Line | January 5, 2012[75] | Fu Jen University | Daqiaotou | 7 | 8.2 | Xinzhuang | |
| June 2012 | Zhongxiao Xinsheng | Guting | 1 | 2.6 | ||||
| Red Line | Xinyi Line | December 2012 | CKS Memorial Hall | Elephant Mountain | 7 | 6.4 | Beitou | |
| Taoyuan Airport MRT | June 2013 | Sanchong | Huanbei | 22 | 51.03 | Luzhu | ||
| Blue Line | Tucheng Line | December 2013 | Yongning | Dingpu | 1 | 2.0 | Tucheng | |
| Green Line | Songshan Line | December 2013 | Songshan | Ximen | 8 | 8.5 | Xindian | |
| Taoyuan Airport MRT | October 2014 | Taipei Main Station | Sanchong | 0 | 4[76] | Luzhu | ||
| Orange Line | Xinzhuang Line | November 2014 | Huilong | Fu Jen University | 2 | 4.1 | Xinzhuang | |
| Yellow Line | Circular Line Stage 1 | December 2015 | New Taipei Industrial Park | Dapinglin | 14 | 15.4 | South | |
| Red Line | Xinyi Eastern Extension |
December 2017 | Elephant Mountain | Zhongpo | 2 | 1.6 | Beitou | |
| Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line | December 2018 | CKS Memorial Hall | Zhonghe Senior High School |
9 | 8.8 | |||
The Xinzhuang Line is a high-capacity underground extension of the Zhonghe Line currently under construction. As of May 2011, it is 93.23% complete.[77] The Xinzhuang Line is the first Taipei Metro line to cross under the Tamsui River. The section between Zhongxiao Xinsheng and Daqiaotou opened on November 3, 2010, along with the opening of the Luzhou Branch Line,[78] while the section between Guting and Zhongxiao Xinsheng is expected to open in 2012.
The Xinyi Line is a high-capacity, underground line currently under construction. It is the extension of the Tamsui Line and part of the Red Line. Upon completion, the line will alleviate congestion on the Nangang Line by providing another east-west route through the Xinyi District. The line will span 6.4 km (4.0 mi) and have 7 underground stations, running from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to Elephant Mountain.[79] A planned extension of the line will extend the line east along Xinyi Rd. and Fude Rd. to Zhongpo South Rd., and end at Yucheng Park. It will add 2 stations and 1.6 km of additional route length. The final corridor was approved on February 12, 2010.[80]
The Taoyuan International Airport MRT is a rapid transit line planned to connect Taipei and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, before linking up with the Taoyuan MRT to THSR Taoyuan Station and onwards to Zhongli. Construction began in 2006 and the system is scheduled to begin service in June 2013.[81] The route will be 51.03 km (31.71 mi)-long with 7 underground stations, 15 elevated stations, and two maintenance depots (Chingpu and Lujhu). Elevated track makes up 40.11 km (24.92 mi) of the total route length.[82] The total budget for the project is NT$93.6 billion.[83] As of December 2010, the project is 66.21% complete.[84] Upon completion, the line is expected to serve over 143,000 passengers per day.[85] The entire system is expected to cost NT$113.85 billion.[81]
The Songshan Line is a high-capacity, underground line currently under construction. It is an extension of the Xindian (Sindian) Line. When completed, it will help ease congestion on the east-west Nangang Line. The 8.5 km (5.3 mi) route will have seven underground stations (including Ximen).[86] Upon completion, it will take 15 minutes to travel from Songshan to Ximen.[86] It is expected to open for service by December 2013.[87]
A 2 km (1.2 mi)-extension of the Tucheng Line to Dingpu is under construction and expected to be completed by December 2013.[88] Upon completion, it will become the western terminus of the Blue Line.
The Circular Line is an elevated, medium-capacity line currently under construction in New Taipei. The first section is scheduled to open in 2015. Stage I construction consists of the section from New Taipei Industrial Park to Dapinglin on the Xindian Line and will be about 15.4 km (9.6 mi) long with 14 stations.[89] Ansaldo STS will supply electromechanical equipment for the line, including driverless technology and CBTC Radio signalling.[90]
The following lines are currently in the planning stages:[91]
| Line | Termini | Stations | Length (km) | Depot | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line | Zhonghe Senior High School |
Huilong | 13 | 13.3 | |||
| Minsheng-Xizhi Line | Dadaocheng | Xizhi | 15 | 17.52 | Xizhi | ||
| Yellow Line | Circular Line North Section | Jiannan Road | Business Exhibition Center | 11 | 14.3 | East | |
| Circular Line South Section | Dapinglin | Taipei Zoo | 6 | 5.6 | |||
| Ankeng Line | Shisizhang | Erbazi Botanical Garden | 10 | 7.8 | Erbazi | ||
| Sanying Line | Dingpu | Pade | 14 | 18.6 | |||
| Shezi, Shilin, and Beitou Light Rail Lines | Shezi | Tianmu | 11 | 8.8 | |||
| Beitou | Daqiaotou | 10 | 9.1 | ||||
| North-South Line | Jiannan Road | Xiulang Bridge | 16 | 17.1 | |||
| Shenkeng Line | Taipei Zoo | Shiding Service Area | 6 | 7.8 | |||
As of February 2011, New Taipei has been pursuing the construction of the 17.52-km Minsheng-Xizhi Line, though the most recent plan was rejected by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, citing the need for further evidence for the line's viability.[92] The city plans to re-submit the proposal, and the project is estimated to cost NT$42.2 billion (US$1.44 billion).[92] A possible 4.25-km extension of the line to Keelung is also being considered.[93]
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