Wugu commuters lament lack of rail service as Sanying Line opens

Residents of Wugu district in New Taipei City are expressing frustration and envy following the June 30th opening of the Sanying Line, highlighting their own prolonged wait for rail transit services.

The "Wugu-Taishan Light Rail" project, intended to serve the densely populated Wugu district, has been in the planning stages for years. The initial feasibility study report was submitted to the central government in 2010, and the comprehensive planning report was submitted for the fourth time in December last year. The New Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems stated that central government feedback on June 30th primarily concerned interface issues with the Provincial Highway 64 and National Freeway 1.

Officials have engaged in multiple meetings with the Directorate General of Highways and the National Freeway Bureau to resolve these interface matters. The National Freeway Bureau has reportedly raised no further objections, and the department aims to revise the report promptly for resubmission to the central government.

With nearly 100,000 residents, Wugu is one of the most densely populated districts in New Taipei without rail service. Commuters currently rely on buses, which are often subject to traffic congestion. Meanwhile, neighboring districts enjoy extensive rail networks, including the Tamsui-Xinyi Line in Tamsui, the Xinzhuang-Luzhou Line in Sanchong and Luzhou, and the Airport MRT serving Taishan and Linkou. The planned North Section of the Circular Line is not expected to be completed until 2031.

The Wugu-Taishan Light Rail project is planned to be 11.61 kilometers long with 14 stations, connecting Sanchong, Luzhou, Wugu, and Taishan. If approved by the central government, construction is expected to take seven years. The plan also includes a future extension to Banqiao.