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Launch of airport MRT line remains uncertain

Launch of airport MRT line remains uncertain

Launch of airport MRT line remains uncertain

Minister of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) Ho Chen-tan on Saturday said that while the safety of the airport MRT line can be assured, there is no timetable for its launching.

The TIAA MRT Supervision Committee held a press conference on Saturday to deliver its final report on the airport MRT safety and stability improvements.

The much-anticipated MRT line linking Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport with Taipei City has been unable to start commercial operation due to safety concerns and a lack of coordination between the line’s contractors. The launch of the line has been postponed more than six times in seven years.

The line currently takes 36 minutes to go from Taipei Main Station to Terminal 1 of the airport, still one minute shy of the 35 minutes stipulated in the construction contract, according to media reports.

The TIAA MRT Supervision Committee said in the press conference that most safety-related issues have been resolved, and has recommended the MOTC to begin the operation by the end of this year as planned.

However, Ho said that the ministry will have to ensure safety and operation standards are met according to the contract, and therefore will not set a timetable for the launch of the line.

The line will undergo more tests until the 35 minutes requirement is reached, the MOTC said.