Taoyuan MRT Daxi Extension Rejected Five Times Amid Planning Criticisms

Taoyuan City's ambitious plan to extend the MRT Green Line to the historic Daxi district has faced repeated setbacks, drawing criticism from auditors for delays and insufficient planning. The city's MRT Engineering Bureau, however, defends its efforts, emphasizing that the project's evolution is a necessary part of ensuring its long-term viability and benefit.

“

The report was not sufficiently comprehensive, and the preliminary work period was too long.

The project, initiated in 2017, has been sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for review five times since 2021, with each submission being returned for further revision. Auditors pointed to the extended timeline for feasibility studies and what they deemed inadequate reports, suggesting the city government needs to reassess its approach. The initial plan even targeted a 2029 completion, a timeline now long passed.

“

Four years to complete the feasibility study is in line with general practice for MRT construction and does not indicate delays.

Recent discussions have centered on incorporating the Daxi old town into the route, a move that presents significant engineering challenges. These include crossing the Dahan River, overcoming a 70-meter elevation difference, and ensuring passenger safety on elevated sections. The city government has proposed a revised plan featuring a 7.9-kilometer route with five elevated stations, an estimated cost of 41.8 billion yuan, and features like an escape walkway and integrated development to enhance tourism and operational efficiency.

“

The committee suggested in-depth research into entering the Daxi old town.

Despite the auditors' concerns about the project's length and cost, the MRT Engineering Bureau insists the revised plan is a necessary optimization to overcome natural obstacles and maximize benefits. They argue that the auditors' focus on the review timeline overlooks the substantial improvements made to the project's feasibility and long-term value. The bureau stated that the latest proposal has received preliminary approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, with a review meeting held on June 12.

“

We are meticulously refining the plan to benefit both sides of the Daxi river, overcoming natural environmental obstacles to propose a feasible MRT route.