New Taipei City candidate proposes expanding rail network from 3 rings/3 lines to 4 rings/8 lines

New Taipei City mayoral candidate Lee Ssu-chuan has unveiled a proposal to significantly expand the metropolitan area's rail transit system. Lee aims to transform the current '3 rings and 3 lines' network into a more comprehensive '4 rings and 8 lines' system. He asserts that he has already discussed this vision with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and if both are elected in their respective cities, they will jointly advance the rail construction.

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We have reached a consensus with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an on the joint governance of the Taipei-New Taipei area and a 30-minute commute.

Lee highlighted the substantial financial investment required for such infrastructure projects. He stressed that while many lines are currently in the planning or construction phases, meticulous planning is crucial for integrating future developments. This includes ensuring that necessary interfaces for future connections are reserved during current construction, a process that demands comprehensive and detailed foresight beyond just financial considerations.

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If we are mayors in New Taipei City and Taipei City at the end of the year, we will definitely continue to promote rail construction together.

The candidate acknowledged that the budget would be allocated annually for construction, and central government subsidies would be necessary. He indicated that the plan would be submitted to the central government for approval according to the Mass Rapid Transit Act, calling for cooperation between national and local authorities to realize the 30-minute commute goal for the Taipei-New Taipei metropolitan area.

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The budget will be planned and constructed year by year, and of course, central government subsidies are needed.