The Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport mass rapid transit system began its monthlong trial run for the public Feb. 2, with standard services slated to start March 2.
“The completion of the line is the result of concerted efforts by the central and local governments to solve problems and ensure the system’s safety, stability and ability to pass internationally recognized tests,” President Tsai Ing-wen said Jan. 31 while inspecting the system.
“Thanks to the dedication of everyone involved in the project, the system has passed many tests, but the real test comes when it tries to provide best services to users,” she said. “It will be the evaluations by tourists from around the world that speak most loudly about how successful the system is.”
The 51-km MRT line connects Taipei Main Station in Taipei City and TTIA in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City before continuing on to Huanbei Station in Taoyuan’s Zhongli District. A ride from the center of Taipei to the airport takes about 35 minutes on an express train.
The airport line, which is the longest MRT route in Taiwan, allows passengers to transfer to the Taiwan High Speed Railway at both Taipei Main Station and THSR Taoyuan Station. The THSR connects the cities of Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung in northern, central and southern Taiwan, respectively, as well as other major urban areas along the west coast.
In addition, a great number of local commuters will benefit from the new MRT line as it runs through the densely populated districts of Linkou in New Taipei City and Zhongli in Taoyuan.
Beginning Feb. 16, travelers heading overseas will soon be able to obtain boarding passes at Taipei Main Station and check their luggage at counters of participating airlines, currently comprising Taiwan-based China Airlines and Eva Airways and their subsidiaries Mandarin Airlines and UNI Airways. Soon the advanced check-in service will also be available at THSR Taoyuan Station.
During the first two weeks of trial operations, only groups that apply in advance are invited to travel on the new line, with individual passengers eligible to ride in the remaining weeks of the trial period.
From March 2 to April 2, ticket prices will be reduced by half. A one-way ride between the airport and Taipei Main Station will normally cost NT$160 (US$5.15).
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw