“The line is a landmark in the country’s public transportation development as it operates express and regular trains across three municipalities in northern Taiwan,” Mao said.
“With coordinated efforts between the central and local governments, the line is now nearing completion. I have instructed the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to join hands with Taoyuan Metro Corp. to speed up the process.”
The premier made the remarks following a Cabinet briefing by the MOTC in which it confirmed that 95.49 percent of the project is completed.
“Connecting Taipei Metro, Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the project is proceeding in accordance with our timetable,” an MOTC official said.
“Once finished, it will shorten travel time between downtown Taipei and the airport to 35 minutes and provide flight and baggage check-in services at Taipei Main Station for outbound passengers.”
According to the MOTC, the 51.3-kilometer line is budgeted at NT$113.9 billion (US$3.6 billion). Featuring 22 stations, the project is expected to spur local development, including the Xinzhuang urban center at A4 Station, budget housing at A7, Taoyuan Aerotropolis between A11 and A16 and THSR development zones from A17 to A19.
One-way fares are estimated at NT$160 to NT$200. The ministry is planning a range of trials to assess the line’s preparedness, including emergency response to such scenarios as natural disasters, system failures and terrorist attacks. (YHC-JSM)
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