Taipei Rapid Transit System
The Taipei Rapid Transit System (台北大眾捷運系統, also known as the MRT, Metro Taipei, or by locals simply as the 捷運) is a series of elevated light rail, underground and elevated metro systems throughout the metropolitan Taipei area. The entire system is administered by the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (台北大眾捷運公司 or TRTC).
The TRTS is one of the largest and most expensive rapid transit systems ever constructed. Since its completion, the TRTS has reduced travel time from one end of Taipei to the other from up to three or more hours to less then an hour, and has been effective in relieving some of Taipei's traffic congestion problems. The system has also proved effective as a catalyst for urban renewal, as well as increasing tourist traffic to outlying cities such as Danshuei.
In addition to the rapid transit system itself, the TRTS also includes several public facilities such as underground shopping malls, parks, and public squares.
The TRTS was the center of political controversy during its construction and shortly after the opening of its first line in 1996 due to incidents such as computer malfunction during a thunderstorm, alleged structural problems in some elevated segments, budget overruns, and ticket prices. However by the time the most recent line was completed in 2000, it was generally agreed that the project was a success. The system has since become an essential part of life in Taipei serving over 980,000 passengers per day.
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Routes
Note: The following romanizations were taken from the TRTS route page (http://english.trtc.com.tw/lines.htm)
Current Routes
- Muzha Line (木柵線):
- Zhongshan Junior High School - Taipei Zoo
- Elevated light rail.
- 10.5 km, 12 stations, completed in March 1996.
- Danshui Line (淡水線)
- C.K.S. Memorial Hall - Danshui
- Includes underground, elevated, and surface level metro.
- 22.5 km, 20 stations, completed in December 1997.
- Xinbeitou Branch (新北投支線)
- Zhonghe Line (中和線)
- Guting - Nanshijiao
- Underground metro.
- 5.3 km, 5 stations, completed in December 1998.
- Xindian Line (新店線)
- Xindian - C.K.S. Memorial Hall
- Underground metro.
- 9.3 km, 10 stations, completed November 1999.
- Banqiao/Nangang Line (板南線)
- Xinpu - Kunyang
- Underground metro.
- 14.8 km, 14 stations, completed in December 2000.
- Xiaonanmen Branch (小南門支線)
- Ximen - C.K.S. Memorial Hall
- Underground metro.
- 1.6 km, 3 station, completed in August 2000.
Future Routes
- Xiao Bitan Branch (小碧潭支線)
- Qizhang - Xiao Bitan
- Scheduled to open on Sept. 30, 2004.
- Banqiao/Tucheng Line (板橋/土城線)
- Xinpu - Yongling
- Underground metro.
- Extension of Banqiao/Nangang Line, scheduled to open in August, 2006
- Neihu Line (內湖線)
- Zhongshan Junior High School - Nangang Business Park South Station
- Mainly elevated light rail.
- Extension of Muzha Line, schedule to complete in 2008.
- Xinzhuang Line (新莊線)
- Guting - Hueilong
- Underground metro.
- Extension of Zhonghe Line, scheduled to complete in 2010.
- Luzhou Line (蘆洲線)
- Daqiao Elementary School - Luzhou
- Underground metro.
- A branch of Xinzhuang Line, scheduled to open in 2009.
- Xinyi Line (信義線)
- C.K.S. Memorial Hall - Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
- Underground metro.
- Songshan Line (松山線)
- Ximen - Songshan TRA Station
- Underground metro.
A line running from Taipei Main Station to Chiang Kai-shek International Airport and HSR Taoyuan Station is also planned.
Operations
Trains generally run from 6AM through 12AM daily with roughly 5 to 10 minutes between trains (higher frequency during peak hours). Through operations are made between Xindian Line and Danshui Line. Furthemore, trains from Zhonghe Line go on to run on Danshui Line before they return at Beitou station. Only one train operates along each of the branch lines, the Xinbeitou Branch and Xiaonanmen Branch. Eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing betel nut is prohibited in stations or on trains.
Stations can become extremely crowded during the morning and evening rush hours, especially stations near the city center such as Taipei Main Station. Stations near tourist attractions such as the Shilin Night Market and Danshui (Danshuei) quickly fill up in the evening and weekends respectively.
Ticket prices range from NT$20 to NT$55, with most locations being accessible for around NT$20-30.
Other Information
Source (http://www.urbantransport-technology.com/projects/taipei/)
- Vehicle Contractors:
- Initial Systems & Trains: Nissho Iwai American Corporation, Kawasaki Rolling Stock, Matra.
- New Systems & Trains: Siemens, SGP, Union Carriage.
- Costs:
- Initial Construction (1990 - 2000): US$18 Billion
- Second Phase Construction (allocated in 2003): US$13.8 Billion
- Network Informaton:
- Light Rail Segment (Muzha Line):
- System: VAL 256 Medium capacity trains, rubber tires, automatic computer control.
- Maximum Speed: 80 km/hour
- Maximum Capacity per Train Car: 114
- High Capacity Metro Segments (All other lines):
- System: 1,435 mm track, third rail current collection system at 750V DC, human operator.
- Maximum Speed: 80 km/hour
- Maximum Capacity per Train Car: 368
Relevant Articles
External Links
- Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems (http://www.dorts.gov.tw/welcome.htm)
- Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (http://www.trtc.com.tw/)
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Categories: Metros in Asia | Transportation in Taiwan | Taipei