New Taipei City continues to advance its ambitious metro development programme, progressing in three major phases: from stable operations, to the simultaneous construction of seven lines, and the parallel planning of eight more. Since December 2018, the city has completed three new operational lines — the Danhai Light Rail, Ankeng Light Rail, and the Circular Line — adding 26 kilometres and 26 stations. With seven metro lines currently under construction, covering 57 kilometres and 51 stations, New Taipei leads the nation in metro infrastructure expansion.
Mayor Hou Yu-Ih stated that metro systems are the backbone of urban development and essential for improving residents’ quality of life. Since the launch of New Taipei Metro Phase 1 operations in December 2018, passenger numbers have increased by 830%. In addition to construction efforts, the city’s Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DRTS) is focused on innovation during operations, with seven key improvements:
- Speed Upgrade: Danhai Light Rail’s manual switch speed has been increased from 10 km/h to 60 km/h.
- Smart Lifts: AI-enabled elevators at Danhai and Ankeng Light Rail lines detect user needs and automatically respond, reducing wait times. Public access is expected by October.
- AI Signal Control: Ankeng Light Rail has implemented smart signal coordination to reduce train stops by 90%, cutting travel time. Activation is scheduled for October.
- Urban Integration: The dual-purpose Shuangcheng Station on the Ankeng line combines education and leisure, creating a new local attraction.
- Public Art: Artistic installations along the Circular Line enhance the cityscape.
- Safety Upgrades: Accelerated repair and reopening measures have improved service resilience.
- Optimised Transfers: Circular Line flow improvements have halved transfer times.
New Taipei metro: Seven lines now under construction – phase 2 of metro expansion
Mayor Hou further elaborated on the second phase of development. The Sanying Line is undergoing active trial runs and is expected to open in 2026. The first train for the Wanda–Zhonghe Line has arrived, with all tunnel boring completed. A two-minute underground transfer link at Zhonghe Station will connect to the Circular Line, with completion projected for 2027.
The Tucheng–Shulin Line was transferred to city control in April and is advancing with the CQ880B contract, which will open for bidding on 25 June. The South and North sections of the Circular Line are under full development. These include Taiwan’s first underground depot built beneath an existing park, alongside upgrades at Y22 Station to facilitate future connections to the planned Wutai Light Rail, just 20 metres away.
The Xidong Line commenced construction in March, featuring increased seating capacity and advanced smart systems. Meanwhile, before central government approval of construction costs, the Keelung MRT will begin with the elevated section designed jointly with Taipei and Keelung. After approval, system-wide expansion and segmented civil works will follow.
The second phase of the Danhai Light Rail began in June, with early work focused on the Tamkang Bridge intersection to minimise traffic impact. With all seven lines under simultaneous construction, New Taipei now has 57 kilometres and 51 stations in development — the largest metro construction effort in Taiwan.
Phase 3 – Eight more lines in planning
Mayor Hou outlined the city’s third phase, titled “Eight Lines Advancing Together.” This includes the Wutai Light Rail, extension of the Sanying Line to Bade District in Taoyuan, and the Minsheng Line in Taipei, all in the integrated planning stage. Feasibility studies are underway for the Shenkeng, Bali, Taiban Light Rail lines, and the Guangfu Line in Zhonghe.
In a notable move, the Linkou Light Rail has been upgraded from a long-term proposal to a priority project. The city is urging the central government to approve construction swiftly. If all plans proceed, the new phase will add 39 kilometres and 42 stations, bringing the total number of interchange stations to 33 — a major boost to New Taipei’s metro network and regional connectivity.
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