Taoyuan's 2027 New Year's Eve Bash Moves to Airport MRT Station, Councilors Cite Transport Woes

Taoyuan City's plan to host the 2027 New Year's Eve celebration at a vacant lot near the Airport MRT's A16 Hengshan Station has sparked significant online debate. The decision has drawn criticism from several city councilors who question the location's readiness for a large-scale event.

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A16 is currently part of the Aerotropolis redevelopment zone, with insufficient commercial functions nearby. If 40,000 to 50,000 people flock to the site on New Year's Eve, transportation, consumer demand, and fireworks safety will all be tested.

Councilors like Xie Meiying and Zhang Guiying highlighted the A16 area's current state, describing it as largely undeveloped with construction sites and weeds, lacking basic amenities and commercial establishments. They argue that the projected attendance of 40,000 to 50,000 people would strain transportation systems, create unmet consumer demands, and pose fireworks safety risks. Citing past issues with crowd management and logistics at previous celebrations, they urged the city to ensure comprehensive supporting measures are in place before proceeding.

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The New Year's Eve celebration should not become a 'touchstone' for regional development before infrastructure and commercial functions are complete. Comprehensive supporting measures must be in place first.

Other councilors, including Lin Zhengxian, suggested re-evaluating alternative locations like the Taoyuan Arts Complex, which they believe offers more mature transportation and commercial infrastructure. They pointed out that recent New Year's Eve events have been concentrated in southern Taoyuan and Qingpu, and a move to the Arts Complex could better leverage existing businesses and accommodation.

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The site's primary requirements are MRT evacuation capacity, ample space, and safe fireworks zones. The A16 site offers about 7 hectares, capable of holding 40,000 to 50,000 people, and is already prepared as it was used for the Taiwan Lantern Festival.

Concerns were also raised by councilors Huang Wanru, Yu Beichen, and Huang Qionghui regarding flight safety due to the proximity to the airport and the logistical challenges of dispersing a large crowd late at night. In response, Tourism Department Director Chen Jingfang defended the A16 site, emphasizing its ample space, proximity to the MRT for crowd dispersal, and suitability for fireworks. She noted that the area is already designated for parking and requires no additional land acquisition costs, unlike the Arts Complex, which has population density and noise concerns. Chen pledged to enhance transportation, flight safety, dining options, and crowd management plans, including ensuring the MRT operates all night, providing free shuttle buses and parking, and encouraging local vendors. The aim is to extend the celebration's economic benefits to surrounding commercial districts like Qingpu.

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We will continue to improve transportation, flight safety, dining, and crowd management plans to meet the demands of large-scale events.