Department of Rapid Transit Systems

The feasibility study of Circular line east section was approved by the Executive Yuan on February 14 and Taipei City DORTS is currently conducting the comprehensive planning, in accordance with the “Regulations on Application and Review of MRT Construction and Development of the Land Adjacent to or Contiguous with Taipei Rapid Transit Systems”. DORTS stated that in order to listen to the valuable opinions of local residents along the planned route, they are hosting three public hearings on August 25^th, 27^th, and 28^th, and the public is welcome to participate. The comprehensive planning report is expected to be completed in early 2021 and will then be submitted for central review. Following approval, it will form a complete MRT route network along with the existing radiating routes in Taipei Metropolitan Area and realize the vision of a 49.2-km Metropolitan Circular line.
 
  DORTS explained that the Circular east section planning is based on the future development potential of the areas along the route, transportation system characteristics, route system conditions, and the convenience of overall MRT network connections in the Taipei Metropolitan Area; furthermore, local public opinion has been taken into consideration when formulating route planning to connect quintessential areas of  Taipei City eastern district together at once. DORTS pointed out that the planning will connect the route with the already-approved Circular line north section & south section as well as the already-operational Circular line Phase I to form a complete Metropolitan Circular Network. Moreover, it will not only meet the future development needs of Taipei City eastern corridor, but also significantly improve the transportation convenience of the Greater Taipei area through connecting with the existing 16-route network.
 
  DORTS also stated that in order for the people residing along the planned route of Circular line east section to understand the current planning content and to collect public opinions, on the 25^th, 27^th, and 28^th, three public hearings will be held in Wenshan, Neihu, and Xinyi districts where public opinion will be solicited. Relevant information has been announced on DORTS’ official website/homepage/citizen participation meetings (https://www.dorts.gov.taipei/News.aspx?n=7DD37E1CCE42B7E7&sms=59AD6E6606F6002F ）, and the public are welcome to participate actively.
 
  Taipei City DORTS stated that Mayor Ko places great importance on the promotion of the circular route network, and it is a top administrative priority. In July 2018, a committee was established for the promotion of the Circular line, and the committee has held regular meetings to monitor its progress. Detailed design is currently underway for Circular line north section & south section. The bidding documents are scheduled to be completed between the end of this year and the beginning of next year and the construction will be carried out at the middle of next year. The east section will be the final piece of the puzzle for the Circular line and will have a total length of 13.2 km with a total of 10 underground stations and one underground depot. Underground construction will be employed for the entire line, and in the future, it will be integrated with the Circular line utilizing a “take one train to reach destinations” mode. Together the routes will form a complete circular network as the "Tokyo Yamanote Line."
 
  Taipei City DORTS emphasized that Circular line east section will link Wenhu line Jiannan Rd. Station, Songshan Xindian line Songshan Station, Bannan line Yongchun Station, Tamsui-Xinyi line Xiangshan Station and Wenhu line Taipei Zoo Station to provide transfer services and improve the overall MRT route network. The east section will connect the Dazhi leisure and entertainment district with the Xinyi financial and commercial district in cooperation with the Neihu Technology Park development plan 2.0  enabling advantageous industries to reap the benefits of clustering, facilitate mutual support of local functionalities, and promote industrial development.
 
   Circular line east section comprehensive planning hearings will be convened at the following times and locations:

1. Hearing 1: August 25, 2020 (Tuesday) 7:00 pm, Wanxing Community Center (7F No. 27, Wanshou Rd. Wenshan District, Taipei City)
2. Hearing 2: August 27, 2020 (Thursday) 7:00 pm, Xingshan Community Center (2F No. 13, Lane 25, Xingshan Rd., Neihu District, Taipei City)
3. Hearing 3: August 28, 2020 (Friday) 7:00 pm, Youngji Junior High School (No. 61, Songlong Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City)