TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The New Taipei MRT Sanying Line officially opened to the public on Tuesday, launching a two-month free trial period and becoming New Taipei's first self-built and operated medium-capacity metro line.
An opening ceremony was held outside Yingge Station, attended by Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜). Hou said the project overcame numerous challenges during its more than seven years of construction, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising material costs, allowing it to open on schedule, per CNA.
Hou thanked residents for their support and praised frontline city employees, engineers, and the central government for helping complete the project. He said construction required overcoming major engineering obstacles, including crossing two existing highways, two railway lines, and the Dahan River.
He said New Taipei has completed four metro lines over the past eight years: the Circular Line, Danhai Light Rail, Ankeng Light Rail, and the Sanying Line. He noted that seven additional metro lines are currently under construction in New Taipei, with the city's next mayor responsible for completing the remaining projects, per a press release.
During the trial period, which runs through Aug. 31, passengers can ride the Sanying Line free of charge by tapping an EasyCard when entering and exiting stations. The 14.29-km line has 12 stations, running from Dingpu Station to Yingtao Fude Station. The city government estimates it will reduce travel times between Tucheng, Sanxia, Yingge, and Taipei by about 20 minutes.
According to the New Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems, the Sanying Line links the three major districts of Tucheng, Sanxia, and Yingge. It also improves access to popular attractions, including the New Taipei City Art Museum, Yingge Old Street, and Sanxia Old Street.
