Jiufen Cable Car Proposal Revived; Candidate Pledges Design Focus if Elected

A proposal to build a cable car system in the popular tourist destination of Jiufen has resurfaced, with New Taipei City mayoral candidate Lee Chuan-fu expressing strong support for the initiative.

Lee, representing the Kuomintang party, believes that a cable car would significantly alleviate traffic congestion in the mountainous area and enhance its appeal to tourists. "If I am elected mayor, I will definitely start with the design phase to handle it," Lee stated.

He recalled that before leaving his post as New Taipei City deputy mayor, he had visited the proposed sites for both a cable car and a light rail system four times. Lee mentioned that past discussions were stalled due to issues with metal pollution, which necessitated a 10-year waiting period before any development could be revisited.

The idea of a cable car or light rail in Jiufen has been a topic of discussion across multiple administrations, from former Taipei County Magistrate Chou Hsi-wei to current New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih. The primary obstacle has consistently been the environmental concerns related to metal contamination, requiring a significant period before development could be considered.

Lee emphasized that while light rail infrastructure already exists, with old mining tracks still in place, a cable car system would require entirely new planning and construction. He reiterated his commitment to thoroughly evaluate and research the project if given the opportunity to lead the city.

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If I am elected mayor, I will definitely start with the design phase to handle it.