Taichung City Government is advancing MRT construction at full speed. At today's (29th) municipal meeting, Mayor Shiow-Yen Lu stated that she has listed the "Greater Taichung MRT Plan" as a key administrative focus since taking office. The Green Line has successfully commenced operations, the Blue Line is about to begin construction, and seven MRT routes are planned simultaneously, with "seven lines advancing simultaneously" to accelerate Taichung's transportation infrastructure. She also emphasized that the city will actively seek central government support and raise construction funds through land development, demonstrating the city government's determination to promote the MRT network blueprint and enhance citizens' quality of life.

Mayor Lu pointed out that "MRT Taichung" is currently the most crucial administrative goal. Since taking office, she has adhered to the concept that "unfinished work must be completed, and work that hasn't started must begin," promoting major transportation construction. Among these projects, the MRT Green Line, which spanned three mayoral terms, was finally completed and commenced operations during her term. The MRT Blue Line has also received central government approval during her current term and is about to begin construction. Mayor Lu said that MRT lines were constructed one after another in the past, progressing slowly. Now, "seven lines must advance simultaneously" to accelerate the completion of the network layout.

Mayor Lu explained that each MRT line requires at least 5 to 10 years from feasibility assessment, comprehensive planning, and financial planning to detailed design, with lengthy procedures necessitating simultaneous advancement of multiple lines. She also mentioned that MRT construction carries a heavy financial burden. Taking the Blue Line as an example, the city government needs to raise nearly NT$90 billion, with a smaller central government subsidy ratio compared to the Green Line, creating greater funding pressure. Besides actively negotiating with the central government through Taichung City legislators to seek reasonable subsidies, the city government is also selling land to raise funds. It has established the MRT Engineering Bureau, which is dedicated to MRT construction, demonstrating the city government's determination to overcome financial challenges and firmly promote the Rapid Transit System Bureau.

Rapid Transit System Bureau Director Jui-Wei Su delivered a special report today titled "Creating Taichung's New MRT Era," noting that following the successful operation of the Green Line, the MRT Blue Line is about to launch. The first "Electrical and Mechanical Systems and Depot and Main Substation Turnkey Project" was awarded to an international team in April this year. The civil engineering detailed design and supervision service case has also been announced for bidding. The bureau is preparing for the groundbreaking ceremony, with completion and commencement of operations expected in 2034. At that time, it will form the backbone of Taichung's MRT network with the Green Line.

Director Su mentioned that comprehensive planning is underway for the Green Line extensions to the Dakeng and Changhua sections. The feasibility study for the Airport MRT (Orange Line) has also received approval in principle from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, with a total cost of approximately NT$160.2 billion. The Blue Line extension to Taiping, the Tunhai Loop Line, the Chongde-Fengyuan Line, and the Orange Line extension to the coastal area are also continuously being negotiated and reviewed with the central government, striving for early approval to expand Taichung's MRT network map.

Director Su added that since the Ministry of Transportation and Communications approved Taichung's overall MRT network plan in 2021, the city government has begun planning and feasibility studies for various routes while promoting joint development plans. Through land development revenues supporting rail construction to achieve financial balance, the city government will continue to work closely with the central government to accelerate the review process and strive for early full realization of MRT construction, providing citizens with higher quality and more convenient public transportation services as the city moves toward a new era of intelligent transportation.

Contact Information:

Mr. Ku

Taichung City Government MRT Engineering Bureau

Tel: 04-22289111 ext. 61612