New Taipei MRT Light Blue Line to open in 2026
新北捷運淺藍線將於2026年通車
| Project 90% complete, major work expected to be completed in December
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The New Taipei City Government on Wednesday announced that the Light Blue or Sanying MRT Line is expected to be completed by the end of this year, and operations are set to begin in 2026. During a municipal meeting, the city’s Department of Rapid Transit Systems reported progress on construction projects, including the previously stalled CQ880B contract on the Tucheng-Shulin section of the Light Blue Line, per CNA. The project reopened for bidding on Wednesday in hopes of attracting tenders. The MRT Department explained that the CQ880B contract includes civil construction and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This is the third tender attempt, with an estimated budget of NT$11.8 billion. The previous round in February failed due to no bids. In April, the New Taipei Government took over construction responsibilities from the Taipei City Government, reviewed the failed bid, and has now reopened the tender. Lee Cheng-an (李政安), head of the department, said the Light Blue Line is undergoing testing, with 130,000 tests being conducted. These include factory acceptance, installation, dynamic, and integration tests. Lee said the project is 90% complete, and major work on the line is expected to be completed in December, per UDN. He estimated that it will be ready for operation by March next year. The Light Blue Line spans 14.29 km with 12 stations spanning New Taipei's Tucheng, Sanxia, and Yingge Districts. Lee said the line incorporates multiple noise-reduction features, including sound-absorbing materials beneath bridges, floating slab tracks, and resilient wheels, to improve ride comfort and lower environmental impact. New Taipei City Transportation Department Director-General Chung Ming-shih (鍾鳴時) said that starting in July, the city will begin implementing transportation support measures. This will include public transportation connections, improved pedestrian walkways, and traffic and parking logistics ahead of trial operations. |
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| Keoni Everington, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2025-06-26 |
