TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Dresden city government is planning to extend its No. 8 tram line to the city’s northern semiconductor industrial zone, according to CNA.
The industrial park expects to add at least 7,000 jobs as European Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (ESMC) prepares to begin production in late 2027. The city is looking to extend the tram route to ease congestion.
The proposed extension would include several additional stops. However, the closest station under the proposed route would still be a 650-meter walk from ESMC.
The city previously studied a route reaching closer to US-based GlobalFoundries. It dropped the plan because of concerns about vibrations and electromagnetic interference.
The project is estimated to cost at least EU$54 million (NT$2 billion), with 75% covered by government subsidies. The estimate excludes land acquisition, compensation, and noise insulation.
The extension is already behind schedule because the city did not settle on a route in 2025. The proposal could be put to a city council vote as early as November, followed by a review that may take up to two years before construction begins.
Until the extension is complete, workers will rely on buses 78 and 80. ESMC employees traveling from the city typically take the S-Bahn or a tram before transferring to a bus.
ESMC is a joint venture between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Bosch, Infineon, and NXP.
