Taipei MRT Xinyi Line Extension Passes Fire Safety Check, Eyes Late August Opening

Taipei's MRT Xinyi Line Eastern Extension is nearing its operational launch after successfully passing a crucial fire safety inspection. The project, which includes the new Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station, has navigated recent scrutiny over safety checks.

Officials confirmed that a pre-inspection meeting was held on July 20, followed by a preparatory meeting on July 23. During these sessions, construction and operational readiness were presented. If all aspects are deemed satisfactory, a final inspection date will be scheduled. Following this, any committee-raised issues will be addressed before the Ministry of Transportation and Communications grants an operating permit. The local government will then determine the official opening date, with projections pointing to late August or early September.

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If the committee members find no issues after hearing the overall engineering progress report tonight, they will decide the inspection date, estimated to be on a weekend about a week from now.

Recent reports had raised concerns about the project's safety clearance, with allegations of a failed fire inspection in June and a ceiling collapse in July. However, the MRT Department has refuted these claims, clarifying that while an initial inspection form noted "fire and safety facilities are complete," it lacked specificity. The department emphasized that the current protocol requires fire safety equipment to be fully functional before the final inspection and to obtain approval documents before opening. The ceiling issue, they stated, was addressed and repaired before the final inspection application was submitted.

To mark the upcoming opening, Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation is preparing a series of promotions. These include fare-free travel for the new section, limited daily ice cream gift cards, a lottery for "MRT points," and draws for annual passes and bicycles. Additionally, a special promotion with prizes like round-trip tickets to London and Tokyo will be available through a gashapon machine during the first four days of operation.

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The new section mileage is free, and there are limited daily ice cream gift cards, among other promotional measures.