New Taipei Sanying MRT Line Targets Mid-Year Opening; Peak Headway Planned at 2.2 Minutes

According to a report by CNA reporter Tsao Ya-yen, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih announced that the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has scheduled the final inspection for the Sanying MRT line, aiming for a mid-year opening. While the ultimate goal for peak-hour headway is 2.2 minutes, the initial service will operate at 5-6 minute intervals, to be adjusted gradually. KMT Councilor Chiang Yi-chen noted that construction began in July 2016 and finished this April, spanning nearly 10 years for 14.3 kilometers. Mayor Hou emphasized that safety is the priority and that a one-month trial period will be held. The line is expected to serve 40,000 passengers daily. To address concerns about congestion on the Bannan Line, the city plans to increase train frequency and expects the completion of the Wanda-Zhonghe Line to help distribute passenger traffic. The New Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems stated that the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation plans to add 10 trains next year.