Department of Rapid Transit Systems

Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) on January 16 received from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) the operation permit for Circular line Phase I, which was planned and constructed by DORTS, in accordance with Mass Rapid Transit Act Article 15, Item 2. After the preliminary test runs are conducted by Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC), the official inauguration will be launched with the approval of Taipei and New Taipei City governments.
 
DORTS stated that after the final inspection on January 5, 2020, the six items that the inspection committee stated must be improved prior to opening the line to the public have been improved, and DORTS then submitted a report to MOTC. On the third day after receiving a written letter of approval beginning on January 19 following preparations by TRTC, trial rides were immediately conducted to enable the public to enjoy the convenient transportation early.
 
DORTS explained that Circular line Phase I runs underground from Xindian District Dapinglin Station along Minquan Rd. and rises above ground after crossing Zhongzheng Rd. It then continues, running elevated in Zhonghe District along Jingping Rd., Zhongshan Rd., and Bannan Rd. and in Banqiao District it goes along Banxin Rd. and Xianmin Blvd. to TRA Banqiao Station, Wenhua Rd., and Minsheng Rd. and in Xinzhuang District it runs along Siyuan Rd. and finally arrives at Wugong Rd. (from the transfer station at the Xindian line’s Dapingling Station to New Taipei Industrial Park Station in Xinzhuang). With a total of 15.4 km, 14 stations (one underground and 13 elevated), and one depot, a medium-capacity automatic rail system is employed for operation of the entire line. With the completion and opening of the Circular line Phase I, crossing four administrative districts of Xindian, Zhonghe, Banqiao, and Xinzhuang, the travel time between Xindian and Xinzhuang will be reduced by more than 20 minutes. The two golden cities, Taipei City and New Taipei City, will be closely linked, and it will promote the development of areas along the route, enabling the full economic benefits of Taipei Metropolitan Area MRT network to be fully realized.