Construction has officially begun on a new entrance for Banqiao Station on the New Taipei Circular Line, aimed at significantly improving passenger flow and reducing transfer times. The project, commissioned by the New Taipei City Government and led by the Department of Rapid Transit Systems, is scheduled for completion in 2027. Once operational, the new entrance is expected to cut the transfer time between metro lines, Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR), and Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) by up to 50%, benefiting over one million passengers per month.
At the groundbreaking ceremony today, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih, accompanied by officials from the Rapid Transit Department and construction teams, offered prayers for a smooth and safe construction process. Mayor Hou emphasised the importance of the upgrade for one of the city’s busiest transit hubs.
“Since the opening of the Circular Line, it has become a key route for commuters, with monthly ridership exceeding 1.7 million,” he said. “With demand growing, optimising transfer routes is a priority. Banqiao is a major transport interchange, connecting four rail systems—two metro lines, the THSR, and TRA—alongside regional bus services.”
The new entrance will be located at the “East 1” gate of the THSR/TRA Banqiao Station. It will provide direct access to the Circular Line platform via lift, escalators, and stairs—dramatically reducing the walking distance. Transfer time between the Bannan Line and the Circular Line will drop from around 12 minutes to just 5. For THSR and TRA, the current 8-minute transfer time will be halved to 4 minutes.
Mayor Hou acknowledged the challenges faced in securing the site for the new entrance, citing shared land ownership, utility lines, and the proximity of THSR facilities. “After multiple rounds of negotiation with stakeholders including Taiwan Railways, we reached a consensus earlier this year,” he said.
Currently, transfer between the Circular Line and other rail services at Banqiao involves long walking distances and weather-dependent outdoor pathways. With increased ridership, these older routes are no longer sufficient. The new entrance will streamline access and better accommodate growing passenger numbers.
Lee Cheng-an, Director of New Taipei’s Rapid Transit Department, added that the new three-storey entrance will be equipped with upward and downward escalators, an accessible lift, ticketing machines, fare gates, a passenger service counter, and commercial space. “We’re committed to offering a more inclusive and convenient experience, particularly for elderly passengers and people with disabilities,” he said.
Once operational, the entrance will improve multimodal integration and enhance overall commuting efficiency in New Taipei City, making daily travel faster, more accessible, and more convenient for all.
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