Taipei City refutes legislator's claims on autonomous vehicle plans

Taipei City's government has refuted claims by a legislator that plans for autonomous vehicles and underground smart systems in the Beitou Science Park were only recently proposed. Officials stated that these initiatives were publicly announced and in development last year.

Legislator Shen Po-yang had suggested that the city's plans for unmanned vehicles and related infrastructure in the Beitou Science Park were only brought up a month prior. However, the Taipei City Department of Transportation responded by clarifying that the park was identified as a key location for self-driving buses back in 2021. The city aims to have these autonomous buses in commercial operation by 2029.

The transportation department further noted that they had already informed the city council about these plans last year and issued a formal press release. This release specified Beitou Science Park as a focus area and mentioned the establishment of a "self-driving bus promotion team" to advance related operations.

Regarding the "underground smart systems," the city's Public Works Department indicated that significant progress has been achieved. This includes making Taipei's underground conduit data publicly available and developing a 3D digital platform for pipeline management. This platform is intended to enhance disaster response efficiency. Additionally, a central monitoring center for the Zhongxiao conduit is expected to be completed in August.