Taipei Metro's New Station Set to Open! 'Free Rides Plus Airline Tickets and Home Appliances' – Fastest Operation Time and 5 Major Promotions Revealed

The extension of Taipei Metro's Xinyi Line is drawing closer to official opening. On the 23rd, Cheng Te-fa, Director of the Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems, reported the latest construction progress to the city council. The department successfully completed the pre-inspection formal review meeting on July 20 and held a pre-inspection preparatory meeting on the evening of the 23rd. Relevant agencies will brief the overall construction status and operational readiness. Once the committee confirms there are no issues, the official inspection date will be scheduled, with the entire line expected to open by late August to early September.

To celebrate the extension entering operational phase, Huang Ching-hsin, General Manager of Taipei Metro Corporation, announced substantial promotional benefits. Starting from the opening day, Taipei Metro will launch five回馈 programs, including free rides on the new section, distribution of limited-edition gift cards, point giveaways, annual pass and bicycle lucky draws, and even a gacha-style lucky draw for international flight tickets, inviting the public to experience the new station's convenience.

Regarding the current review progress, Cheng stated that the formal review meeting on July 20 completed written confirmation of all checklist items, with all documentation in order. After tonight's preparatory meeting, if the inspection committee finds no issues in the briefing, the specific inspection date will be set—typically scheduled for a weekend about one week later, with subgroups and a meeting convener appointed.

On the much-anticipated operational timeline, Cheng explained that after the inspection, the construction team will address any feedback from the committee, submit signed confirmations to the Ministry of Transportation, and await the official operation approval letter. The final opening date will then be determined by the local government. Considering time needed for corrections and administrative procedures, the opening is expected between late August and early September.

On previously discussed concerns regarding fire safety inspections and ceiling repairs, Cheng clarified again. He noted that the phrase 'fire protection and safety facilities are complete' on earlier checklists was prone to misinterpretation. The initial inspection committee had clearly ruled that 'fire safety equipment must be completed before the final inspection and must obtain official approval documents before opening.' The Department has strictly followed regulations, officially passing the fire safety inspection and receiving the permit on July 3. It has also requested the Ministry of Transportation revise the wording to prevent future misunderstandings. The ceiling repairs were also fully completed before the inspection application was submitted.

To ensure operational quality, trial operations have already begun on the extension. Xinyi Line trains now depart from Guangci/Fengtiangong Station, though the station is currently used only for system testing and is not yet open to the public. Passengers must still board and alight at Xiangshan Station. Cheng emphasized that the inspection marks entry into a 'quasi-operational state,' during which Taipei Metro tests system stability and safety. Engineering teams continue final tasks such as station cleaning and leak repairs. During testing, weekday peak-hour train arrival times may be adjusted by 1 to 2 minutes.

To welcome the launch of Guangci/Fengtiangong Station, Taipei Metro announced five promotional benefits. The first is 'free rides on the new section'—trips between Xiangshan and Guangci/Fengtiangong stations will be free. For trips to other existing stations, the fare will be calculated by deducting the 1.4 km of the newly opened section from the total distance. The second benefit is 'daily limited soft-serve ice cream gift cards,' with 500 cards distributed daily at Guangci/Fengtiangong Station. The third is a 'lucky draw for metro points,' offering 1,000 participants 20 points each. The fourth is a 'lucky draw for annual passes and bicycles,' with 30 annual passes and 90 bicycles to be given away. The final promotion is a 'gacha lucky draw' for the first four days, requiring either entry or exit at Guangci/Fengtiangong Station. Prizes include round-trip air tickets to London and Tokyo with local transit vouchers, various home appliances, and 1,200 commuter passes, aiming to attract ridership and celebrate the opening.