Taipei Metro trials 'light speed' passage with new LED gate indicators

Taipei Metro is experimenting with a new visual cue system at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station to streamline passenger flow through its ticket gates. The initiative involves removing the traditional red gate stoppers and implementing LED lights to indicate passage status.

The trial, located at two gates near Exit 5 of the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station, introduces "Gate LED Passage Identification Indicators." This system retains the existing gate screen display and audio prompts but adds a visual red and green light indicator. A green light signifies a successful card tap and allows passage, while a red light indicates a problem with the card or transaction, requiring passengers to seek assistance from station staff.

Taipei Metro developed the LED system internally, ensuring it does not interfere with the gates' existing functions. The system captures the success or failure signal from card swipes and precisely controls the LED light strips to provide an intuitive visual confirmation. The goal is to allow commuters to quickly understand their card's status without needing to check the screen or listen for audio cues.

The trial is intended to help passengers pass through the gates more quickly, particularly during large events when station congestion can be significant. By offering a faster, more direct visual confirmation, Taipei Metro hopes to improve the overall efficiency of entry and exit procedures.