Taipei Grand Traverse plan sparks debate; Shen Po-yang says Public Works Department is evasive

Taipei's Public Works Department has pushed back against criticism from a mayoral candidate regarding the city's "Taipei Grand Traverse" hiking trail plan. The department stated that all 18 trails are easily accessible by public transport and that a satisfaction survey last year showed a 95.6% approval rating.

DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang had previously questioned the progress of the "Taipei Grand Traverse" under the current administration, citing a lack of development and inadequate transportation planning. He argued that the plan, initiated under the previous administration, had not seen significant changes. Shen emphasized that his concern extends to the integration of all 150+ hiking trails in Taipei, not just the easier routes selected for the Grand Traverse. He pointed out the need to connect natural and cultural paths, suggesting potential routes from Datong to Neihu or Wanhua to the Elephant Mountain area. Shen also noted that many hikers start from Fengguizui due to inconvenient access elsewhere.

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Don't ask A and answer B. I'm talking about all 150-plus trails in Taipei. The Taipei Grand Traverse was originally about selecting easier routes, and this was done in the Ko Wen-je era. There haven't been major changes under the Chiang Wan-an administration.

The Public Works Department highlighted new initiatives, including a new badge for the Grand Traverse in 2024 and a "Monthly Gem King" challenge. They reported a 79% increase in average annual participation over the last three years compared to the previous seven. The department also detailed recent improvements under Mayor Chiang Wan-an's tenure, such as the "Caoshan Waterfall Suspension Bridge" and the "Houkan Stream Suspension Bridge," along with lighting enhancements at the Zhubai Sacred Path near Zhinan Temple.

Addressing concerns about "A-in, B-out" hiking routes, the department explained that this is a common hiking model. They provide low-carbon shuttle options within 30 minutes of public transport, with trailheads connecting to MRT stations, bus stops, or YouBike stations. For drivers and families, circular routes are also available. The department acknowledged limited parking near trailheads, stating that large parking lots could harm the natural landscape. They offer traffic information to help with shuttle choices. Additionally, 83 portable toilets are maintained daily, and efforts are underway to clear illegal structures and impermeable surfaces around Yuanshan, with 30 more sites expected to be cleared this year.

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Don't ask A and answer B. I want to talk about how to integrate all 150-plus trails in Taipei. The Taipei Grand Traverse was originally about selecting easier routes, but today we need to discuss the transportation network planning for all trails. Not to mention that the Taipei Grand Traverse was initiated in the Ko Wen-je era, and there have been no changes under the Chiang Wan-an administration.