Taipei Metro

Template:Short description Template:About-distinguish Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox public transit Template:Infobox Chinese Taipei MetroTemplate:Efn native lang (also known as Taipei Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and branded as Metro Taipei)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> is a rapid transit system operated by the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation serving the capital Taipei and New Taipei City in Taiwan.

It was the first rapid transit system to be built on the island.<ref name="Lew 2007 Wired">Template:Cite magazine</ref> The initial network was approved for construction in 1986 and work began two years later.<ref name="chronicles" /> It began operations on 28 March 1996, and by 2000, 62 stations were in service across three main lines.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Over the next nine years, the number of passengers had increased by 70%. Since 2008, the network has expanded to 131 stations and the passenger count has grown by another 96%.Template:Cn The system has been praised by locals for its effectiveness in relieving growing traffic congestion in Taipei and its surrounding satellite towns, with over eight million trips made daily.<ref name="nari">Template:Cite news</ref>

History

Proposal and construction

File:TRTS Route Map 1986.png

The initial Taipei Metro plan as approved by the Executive Yuan in 1986

File:Taipei Metro official map 2004.png

2004 system map

File:2023 Taipei MRT official map.png

2023 system map

The idea of constructing a rapid transit system on the island was first put forth at a press conference on 28 June 1968, where the Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced its plans to begin researching the possibility of constructing such a network in the Taipei metropolitan area; however, the plan was shelved due to financial concerns and the belief that such a system was not urgently needed at the time. With the increase of traffic congestion accompanying economic growth in the 1970s, the need for a rapid transit system became more pressing.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In February 1977, the Institute of Transportation (IOT) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) released a preliminary rapid transport system report, with the designs of five lines: U1, U2, U3, S1, and S2, to form a rough sketch of the planned corridors, some of which would be converted from single-tracked Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) branch lines, resulting in the first rapid transit system plan for Taipei.<ref name="routeplanning">Template:Cite book</ref>

In 1981, the IOT invited British Mass Transit Consultants (BMTC) and Template:Ill to form a team and provide in-depth research on the preliminary report.<ref name="routeplanning" /> In 1982, the Taipei City Government commissioned National Chiao Tung University to do a research and feasibility study on medium-capacity rapid transit systems. In January 1984, the university proposed an initial design for a medium-capacity rapid transit system in Taipei City, including plans for Wenhu line and Tamsui–Xinyi line of the medium-capacity metro system. The pre-1985 plans would have retained the 3 ft 6 in gauge of the TRA lines and the rolling stock design would have to be conform to TRA and Japanese narrow-gauge standards.<ref name="routeplanning" /> On 1 March 1985, the Executive Yuan Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) signed a treaty with the Taipei Transit Council (TTC), composed of three American consultant firms, to do overall research on a rapid transit system in metropolitan Taipei. Apart from adjustments made to the initial proposal, such as the move to standard gauge track and wider and longer rolling stock for the high-capacity lines, Wenhu line of the medium-capacity metro system was also included into the network. In 1986, the initial network design of the Taipei Metro by the CEPD was passed by the Executive Yuan, although the network corridors were not yet set.<ref name="chronicles">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A budget of NT$441.7 billion was allocated for the project.<ref name="sustainable">Template:Cite journal</ref>

On 27 June 1986, the Preparatory Office of Rapid Transit Systems was created,<ref name="geotechnical">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> which on 23 February 1987 was formally established as the Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) for the task of handling, planning, design, and construction of the system.<ref name="sustainable" /> Apart from preparing for the construction of the metro system, DORTS also made small changes to the metro corridor. The 6 lines proposed on the initial network were:<ref name="routeplanning" /> Tamsui line and Xindian line (Lines U1 and U2), Zhonghe Line (Line U3), Nangang Line and Banqiao Line (Line S1), and Muzha (now Wenhu) line (Wenhu line medium-capacity), totaling 79 stations and Template:Convert route length,<ref name="sustainable" /> including Template:Convert of elevated rail, Template:Convert at ground level, and Template:Convert underground.<ref name="geotechnical" /> The Neihu Line corridor was approved later in 1990. On 27 June 1994, the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) was formed to oversee the operation of the Taipei Metro system.

The Executive Yuan approved the initial network plan for the system on 27 May 1986.<ref name="chronicles" /> Ground was broken and construction began on 15 December 1988.<ref name="chronicles" /> The growing traffic problems of the time, compounded by road closures due to TRTS construction led to what became popularly known as the "dark age of Taipei traffic". The TRTS was the center of political controversy during its construction and shortly after the opening of its first line in 1996 due to incidents such as computer malfunction during a thunderstorm, alleged structural problems in some elevated segments, budget overruns, and fare prices.

Opening and Initial network

The system opened on 28 March 1996, with the Template:Convert elevated Template:Lnl, a driverless, medium-capacity line<ref name="chronicles" /> with twelve stations running from Template:Stl to Template:Stl. The first high-capacity line, the Template:Lnl, began service on 28 March 1997, running from Template:Stl to Template:Stl, then extended to Template:Stl at the end of the year. On 23 December 1998, the system passed the milestone of 100 million passengers.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

1999–2006 Expansions

On 24 December 1999, a section of the Template:Lnl was opened between Template:Stl and Template:Stl.<ref name="chronicles" /> This section became the first east–west line running through the city, connecting the two previously completed north–south lines. On 31 May 2006, the second stage of the Banqiao–Nangang section and the Tucheng section began operation.<ref name="chronicles" /> The service was then named Bannan after the districts that it connects (Banqiao and Nangang).

Maokong Gondola

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} On 4 July 2007, the Maokong Gondola, a new aerial lift/cable-car system, was opened to the public. The system connects the Template:Stl, Template:Stl, and Maokong. Service was suspended on 1 October 2008 due to erosion from mudslides under a support pillar following Typhoon Jangmi.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The gondola officially resumed service as of 31 March 2010, after relocation of the pillar and passing safety inspections.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

2009–2014 expansions

On 4 July 2009, with the opening of the Neihu segment of Template:Lnl, the last of the six core segments was completed. Due to debate on whether to construct a medium-capacity or high-capacity line, construction of the line did not begin until 2002.Template:Citation needed

Template:Lnl was extended from Template:Stl to Template:Stl and Template:Stl in 2012. The Xinyi section of Template:Lnl and Songshan section of Template:Lnl were opened on 24 November 2013 and 15 November 2014 respectively.

Prior to 2014, only physical lines had official names; services did not. In 2008, all full-run and short-turn services were referred to by termini<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref> while Bannan and Wenhu services were referred to by the physical lines on which they operated.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref>

Following the completion of the core sections of the system in 2014, the naming scheme for services was set and 'lines' started to referred to services. Between 2014 and 2016, lines were given alternative number names based on the order of the dates the lines first opened. Brown, Red, Green, Orange and Blue lines were named lines 1 to 5 respectively. The planned Circular, Wanda–Shulin and Minsheng–Xizhi lines were to be lines 6 to 8 respectively. In 2016, the number names were replaced by colour names. Today, on-board announcements in Chinese use full official names, whereas in English, colour names are used instead.

In June 2023, due to an increasing number of South Korean tourists, the metro announced the addition of Korean announcements at stations where there are high amounts of tourists.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On 3 April 2024, following a magnitude 7 earthquake hitting the island, all active MRT trains were suspended for safety checks to be conducted.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> All Taipei Metro routes resumed operations later that day.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Timeline of services

Date started	Date amended	Terminus	Route	Terminus
1996-03	2009-07	Template:Stn	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
1997-03	1997-12	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
1997-03	Current	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
1997-12	1998-12	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Taipei Main Station
1998-12	1999-11	Template:Stl	Template:Rint Template:Rint Template:Rint	Template:Stl
1999-11	2014-11	Template:Stl	Template:Rint Template:Rint	Template:Stl
1999-11	2012-09	Template:Stl	Template:Rint Template:Rint Template:Rint	Template:Stl
1999-12	2000–08	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2000–08	2000–11	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2000–08	2013-11	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2000–12	2006-05	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2004–09	Current	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2006-05	2008–12	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
				Template:Stl
2008–12	2011-02	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
				Template:Stl
2009-07	Current	Template:Stn	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2010–11	2012-01	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2011-02	2015-07	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
				Template:Stl
2012-01	2012-09	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
				Template:Stl
2012-09	2013-06	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
				Template:Stl
2012-09	2013-11	Template:Stl	Template:Rint Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2013-06	Current	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
				Template:Stl
2013-11	2014-11	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2013-11	2014-11	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
2014-11	Current	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
		Template:Stl		Template:Stl
2014-11	Current	Template:Stn	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
				Template:Stl
2015-07	Current	Template:Stl	Template:Rint	Template:Stl
				Template:Stl
		Template:Stl

Lines

File:Taipei Metro geographical map.svg

Geographical map

File:Taipei Metro Tracks.svg

Track diagram of Taipei Metro

The system is designed based on the spoke-hub distribution paradigm, with most rail lines running radially outward from central Taipei. The MRT system operates daily from 06:00 to 00:00 the following day<ref name="hours">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> (the last trains finish their runs by 01:00), with extended services during special events (such as New Year festivities).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Trains operate at intervals of 1:30 to 15 minutes depending on the line and time of day.<ref name="hours" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Smoking is forbidden in the entire metro system, while eating, drinking, and chewing gum and betel nuts are forbidden within the paid area.<ref name="etiquette">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Stations can become extremely crowded during rush hours, especially at transfer stations such as Template:Stl, Template:Stl, and Template:Stl. Automated station announcements are recorded in Mandarin, English, Taiwanese, and Hakka, with Japanese at busy stations.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Japanese coverage across the network was expanded on 24 August 2023. Select stations also received Korean announcements to accommodate for the high influx of South Korean tourists to the capital.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Subsequently, announcement order was changed to Mandarin, English, Japanese, Korean, then Taiwanese and Hakka.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Icon	Full name	Services	Peak headway (mins)	Off-peak headway, typical	Length	Stations
File:Taipei Metro Line BR.svg	Template:Lnl	Template:Stl–Template:Stl	2–4	4–10	25.1	24
File:Taipei Metro Line R.svg	Template:Lnl	Template:Stl–Template:Stl (full service)	6	8–10	29.3	28
		Template:Stl–Template:Stl (short turn service)	3Template:Efn	4–5Template:Efn
		Template:Stl–Template:Stl (Xinbeitou branch)	7–8	10
File:Taipei Metro Line G.svg	Template:Lnl	Template:Stl–Template:Stl (full service)	4–6	6–8	21.5	19
		Template:Stl–Template:Stl (short turn service)	3Template:Efn	4–6Template:Efn
		Template:Stl–Template:Stl (Xiaobitan branch)	12–20	12–20
File:Taipei Metro Line O.svg	Template:Lnl	Template:Stl–Template:Stl (Luzhou branch)	6Template:Efn	8–10Template:Efn	29.3	26
		Template:Stl–Template:Stl (Xinzhuang branch)	6Template:Efn	8–10Template:Efn
File:Taipei Metro Line BL.svg	Template:Lnl	Template:Stl–Template:Stl (full service)	6	8–10	26.6	23
		Template:Stl–Template:Stl (short turn service)	3	4–5
		Template:Stl–Template:Stl (short turn, night service)	3	4–5
Total					152.9<ref name=":0" />	134

Fares and tickets

File:Taipei MRT New IC Token 02.jpg

Single-journey RFID IC Token

Fares range between Template:Ntd–65 per trip as of 2018. RFID single journey tokens and rechargeable IC cards (such as the EasyCard and the iPASS), as well as NFC-based mobile payments (only Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet) are used to collect fares for day-to-day use.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Discounts and Cocessions

A 20% off discount was given to all IC card users, but it was cancelled at the start of February 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The discount program was instead switched to an intensity-based scheme. The more times passengers take the MRT, the higher the level of discount they could receive. From February 2020 until February 2025, the following rebate scheme was used: 10% discount for 11–20 rides; 15% discount for 21-30 rides; 20% discount for 31–40 rides; 25% discount for 41-50 rides; and 30% off for more than 50 rides.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Effective March 2025, the rebate scheme was modified and is as follows: 5% discount for 11–20 rides; 10% discount for 21–40 rides; and 15% off for more than 40 rides.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The discount is considered a rebate and the rebate from a previous month is deposited to the user's card on the first ride of each month; the rebate must be collected within 6 months.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Those with welfare cards issued by local governments could receive 60% off per ride.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Children aged 6 or over pay adult fares. Other ticket types include passes, joint tickets with other services and tickets for groups and discounts for YouBike rentals at the Taipei Main Station.<ref name="metrotickets">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Ticketing System

Turnstiles of Taipei Metro are being replaced by the end of 2025 to enable contactless bank card and QR code payments.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Infrastructure

File:Platform 1&2 (Red Line), MRT Taipei Main Station 2020-11-13.jpg

Platform of Taipei Main Station

The Taipei Metro provides an obstacle-free environment within the entire system; all stations and trains are handicap accessible. Features include:<ref name="facinside">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="facoutside">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="factrial">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> handicap-capable restrooms, ramps and elevators for wheelchairs and strollers, tactile guide paths, extra-wide faregates, and trains with a designated wheelchair area.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Beginning in September 2003, the English station names for Taipei Metro stations were converted to use Hanyu pinyin before the end of December, with brackets for Tongyong Pinyin names for signs shown at the station entrances and exits.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, after the conversion, many stations were reported to have multiple conflicting English station names caused by inconsistent conversions, even for stations built after enactment of the new naming policy.Template:Citation needed The information brochures (臺北市大眾捷運系統捷運站轉乘公車資訊手冊) printed in September 2004 still used Wade–Giles romanizations.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

To accommodate increasing passenger numbers, all metro stations have replaced turnstiles with speed gates since 2007, and single-journey magnetic cards have been replaced by RFID tokens.<ref name="rfid">Template:Cite news</ref> TRTS provides free mobile phone connections in all stations, trains, and tunnels and also provides WiFi WLAN connections at several station hotspots.<ref name="wireless">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The world's first WiMAX-service metro trains were introduced on the Template:Lnl in 2007, allowing passengers to access the internet and watch live broadcasts.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Several stations are also equipped with mobile charging stations.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Platforms

File:Nanjing East Road Station 20091102a.jpg

Nanjing Fuxing metro station

File:Taipei MRT Jiantan Station and rolling stock 20070507.jpg

Unique dragon boat architecture of Template:Stl on Template:Lnl

File:Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station East Inner.jpg

Faregates at Template:Stl

Most underground stations have island platform configurations while a few have side platform configurations. Most elevated and at-grade stations have side platform configurations, while a few have island platform configurations. All high-capacity metro stations have a Template:Convert long platform to accommodate all six-train cars on a typical metro train (with the exception of Template:Stl). The width of the platform and concourse depends on the volume of transit; the largest stations include Taipei Main Station, Template:Stl, and Template:Stl. Some other transfer stations, including Template:Stl, Template:Stl, and Template:Stl, also have wide platforms.

Several stations have a cross-platform interchange: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Guting, Dongmen and Ximen. Both lines' tracks in one direction use the lower floor, while both lines' tracks in the other direction use the upper floor. Dongmen station is unique in that the directions of travel on each floor are reversed, so that there's a cross-platform interchange when travelling between the city center and the suburbs.

Each station is equipped with LED displays and LCD TVs both in the concourse and on the platforms which display the time of arrival of the next train. At all stations, red lights on or above automatic platform gates at stations flash prior to a train arrival to alert passengers and an arrival melody would play (except on the Template:Lnl and certain elevated and at-grade stations). Similarly, before platform screen doors were retrofitted, stations would have lights on the edges of platforms which would flash upon a train's arrival. This can still be seen on other metro systems such as the Washington Metro.

As of September 2018, all stations have automatic platform gates.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Before 2018, all the stations on the Wenhu line and most stations on the Template:Lnl, as well as a few stations on other lines, were equipped with platform screen doors.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }} 防跳軌 捷運3站將設月台門- 自由電子報</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref name="2008report">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A Track Intrusion Detection System had also been installed to improve passenger safety at stations without platform doors.<ref name="2008report" /> The system uses infrared and radio detectors to monitor unusual movement in the track area.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Signalling

File:台北捷運 (15705813813).jpg

A wayside two-aspect signal and a track point on the Tamsui-Xinyi Line

When the Muzha Line first opened in 1996, the line was initially equipped with automatic train operation (ATO) and automatic train control (ATC), which in turn comprised automatic train protection (ATP) and automatic train supervision (ATS); in particular the ATP relied on transmission coils and wayside control units whereas the ATO relied on dwell operation control units. The transmission coils are controlled by the Control Centre to ensure safety of the line and were positioned on the guideway. Among such coils included the PD loop, safety frequency loop, stopping program loop, vehicle station link and station vehicle link; these loops were cross-arranged to produce electromagnetic induction with the interval between two cross points being 0.3 seconds to both monitor the train and control its speed.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> However this fixed-block ATC system used on the Muzha Line was plagued with problems in its early years of operation and was replaced with the new moving-block Cityflo 650 CBTC that was supplied by Bombardier Transportation of Canada for the Neihu Line.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

On the other hand, the heavy-capacity lines use the traditional fixed block system design, which were initially supplied by General Railway Signal of Rochester, New York, for the Tamsui, Xindian, Zhonghe, and Bannan lines; and later by Alstom for the Tucheng, Xinzhuang, Luzhou, Xinyi and Songshan lines. Key components of the system include impedance bond, 4-foot loops, marker coils, alignment antennae and two-aspect light signals for the wayside as well as automatic train supervision which utilises centralized traffic control.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Public art

In the initial network, important stations such as transfer stations, terminal stations, and stations with heavy passenger flow were chosen for the installation of public art. The principles behind the locations of public art were visual focus and non-interference with passenger circulation and construction schedules. The artworks included murals, children's mosaic collages, sculptures, hung forms, spatial art, interactive art, and window displays. The selection methods included open competitions, invitational competitions, direct assignments, and cooperation with children.

Stations with public art displays include: Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Songshan Airport, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, and Template:Stl. Stations with art galleries include Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, and Template:Stl. Template:Stl station contains a small archeological museum.

Other facilities

In addition to the rapid transit system itself, Taipei Metro operates several public facilities such as underground shopping malls, parks, and public squares in and around stations,<ref name="affiliatedbusiness">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> including:

• Zhongshan Metro Mall: Template:Stl – Template:Stl – Template:Stl (815 m, 81 shops).<ref name="2008report" />
• Taipei main station underground mall: on floor B1 of the station.
• Taipei New World Shopping Center: Between the metro and TRA sections of Taipei Station.
• Station front metro mall: West of Taipei main station, beneath Zhongxiao W Road.
• Taipei City Mall: Northwest of Taipei main station, beneath Zhengzhou Rd and Civic Blvd.
• East Metro Mall: Between Template:Stl and Template:Stl (825 m, 35 shops).<ref name="2008report" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Ximen Underground Mall: north of Template:Stl (currently used as an office building and library).
• Longshan Temple Underground Mall: Template:Stl north and south sides.
• Global Mall: Template:Stl floors B1 to 2F.

As of 2022 there are 229 shops within the stations themselves.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Transit

File:Exit 1, Sanchong Station 20170528.jpg

Sanchong is a transfer station between the Taipei Metro and the Taoyuan Airport MRT.

Transfers to city bus stations are available at all metro stations. In 2009, transfer volume between the metro and bus systems reached 444,100 transfers per day (counting only EasyCard users).<ref name="2010report">Template:Citation</ref> Connections to Taiwan Railway Administration and Taiwan High Speed Rail trains are available at Template:Stl, Template:Stl and Template:Stl. Connections to Taipei Bus Station and Taipei City Hall Bus Station are available at Template:Stl and Template:Stl stations, respectively. The Maokong Gondola is accessible from Template:Stl.

Taipei Songshan Airport is served by the Template:Stl station.<ref name="routemap">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A metro system to connect Taipei to Taoyuan International Airport has also been available since March 2017.

Connections with New Taipei Metro is also available, specifically with Circular line and Danhai LRT.

Rolling stock

All rolling stocks on the Taipei Metro are electric multiple units, powered by a third rail at 750 volts direct current. Each train is equipped with automatic train operation (ATO) for a partial or complete automatic train piloting and driverless functions.

Medium-capacity trains

The medium-capacity trains of Template:Lnl are Template:Track gauge broad gauge rubber-tired trains with no onboard train operators but are operated remotely by the medium-capacity system operation control center. It initially used a fixed-block automatic train control (ATC) system. Each train consists of two 2-car electric multiple unit (EMU) sets, with a total of 4 cars.<ref name="network" /> The Wenhu line is the only line on the system to have no open-gangway carriages, meaning that passengers cannot move between carriages when the train is moving.

The Template:Lnl was initially operated with VAL 256 trains cars, where two VAL 256 cars in the same set would share the same road number. As a result of this numbering scheme, the 102 cars of the VAL fleet have car numbers from 1 to 51. In June 2003, Bombardier was awarded a contract to supply the Template:Lnl with 202 INNOVIA APM 256 train cars,<ref>Transportation > Products Services > Transportation Systems > Driverless Systems > Automated Metros > Taipei, Taiwan</ref> to install the CITYFLO 650 moving-block communications-based train control (CBTC) system to replace the fixed-block ATC system and also to retrofit the existing 102 VAL 256 cars with the CITYFLO 650 CBTC system. Integration of Bombardier's trains with the existing Template:Lnl proved to be difficult in the beginning, with multiple system malfunctions and failures during the first three months of operation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Retrofitting older trains also took longer than expected, as the older trains must undergo several hours of reliability tests during non-service hours. The VAL 256 trains resumed operations in December 2010.

Heavy-capacity trains

The heavy-capacity trains have steel wheels and are operated by an on-board train operator. The trains are computer-controlled. The operator, who is both driver and conductor, is responsible for opening and closing the doors and making (not all) announcements. Most announcements are pre-recorded in Mandarin, English, Hokkien and Hakka, with Japanese and Korean at busy stations. The ATC provides the functions of ATP, ATO and ATS<ref>Template:Cite conference</ref> and controls all train movements, including braking, acceleration and speed control, but can be manually overridden by the operator in case of an emergency. Newer trains also use a Train Supervision Information System (TSIS) supplied by Mitsubishi Electric that allows the operator to monitor the conditions of the train and identify any faults.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Each train consists of two 3-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) sets, with a total of 6 cars.<ref name="network" /> Each 3-car EMU set is permanently coupled as DM–T–M, where DM is the motor car with full-width cab, T is a trailer car and M is the motor car without cab. Each motor car has four 3-phase AC traction motors. The configuration of a 6-car train is DM–T–M+M–T–DM, not interchanged with other car types. Like many contemporary metro rolling stock designs such as the MOVIA by Bombardier, each train features open gangways, allowing passengers to move freely between cars.Template:Citation needed

All carriages of the heavy-capacity trains are Template:Convert wide by Template:Convert high, and have a total capacity of 368 passengers, 60 of which seated. Their design maximum speed is Template:Convert, which is limited to Template:Convert in service.Template:Citation needed

The first digit of a DM car is 1, while that of a T car is 2 and that of an M car is 3. This digit then follows the three digits of the set number. For example, C301 set 001/002 consists of carriages 1001-2001-3001+3002-2002-1002.Template:Citation needed

A single set cannot be in revenue service except C371 single sets 397–399, where their M car is exactly a DM car despite its first digit being 3. These single sets run exclusively on the Xinbeitou and Xiaobitan branch lines.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Before the C371 single sets were in revenue service on 22 July 2006, the M cars of C301 sets 013/014 were converted to temporary cab cars to run the Xinbeitou branch.

In 2010, the new C381 was built for Taipei Metro to cope with increasing passenger ridership and the expansion of its network route. Upon entering service on 7 October 2012, three C381 trainsets are servicing the Beitou – Taipower Building segment of the Tamsui and Xindian Lines, with the remaining fleet being put into service on 20 October 2012. These trains provided much-needed capacity increase when the Xinyi and Songshan extensions opened in late 2013. After November 2014, the C381 trains are serving both Template:Lnl and Template:LnlTemplate:Update inline. Whereas the earlier heavy capacity train types have largely retained the same design, the C381 sets are more distinctive with double blue stripes and the re-positioning of the logo from the driver's door to well below the passenger's windows, right on the stripe. Also placed were the more "sleeker" cab and the new advertising screens (as seen in newer Japanese commuter trains such as the E233 series) to improve energy efficiency, although it retains the same propulsion as the C371s.Template:Citation needed

In March 2024, it was announced that seven additional trains (42 cars) would be built by Hyundai Rotem and introduced between 2026 and 2028 to further cope with increasing passenger ridership.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> These trains are expected to contain fewer seats per carriage, but in turn increase total capacity per carriage.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Fleet roster

Medium-capacity fleet

Car type	Photo	Year built	Builder(s)	Train length (m)	Capacity (seated/standing)	Max. speedTemplate:Efn (km/h)	Fleet total	Car set numbers	Line(s)	Depot(s)	Notes
VAL256	File:Matra VAL256, Taipei Metro 20210509.jpg	1989–1993	Matra, GEC Alsthom	55.12	24/114	80/70	102	01–51	File:Taipei Metro Line BR.svg	Muzha, Neihu	Formed of two married pairs; closed end cars
Innovia APM 256	File:Bombardier INNOVIA APM 256 approaching Daan Station 20210418.jpg	2006–2007	Bombardier		20/142	90/70	202	101–201

Heavy-capacity fleet

Car type	Photo	Year built	Builder(s)	Train length (m)	Fleet total	Car set numbers	Line(s)	Depot(s)	Notes
C301	File:TRTC301 in Beitou Depot.JPG	1992–1994	Kawasaki, URC	141	132	001–044	File:Taipei Metro Line R.svg	Beitou	6-car train in DM–T–M+M–T–DM configuration as two 3-car sets
C321 (Modular Metro)	File:板南線列車.JPG	1998–1999	Siemens		216	101–116 175/176Template:Efn 119–172	File:Taipei Metro Line BL.svg	Nangang, Tucheng
C341 (Modular Metro)	File:C341 1201 at Ximen Station 20060531.jpg	2003			36	201–212
C371	File:C371 on Tamsui Line 20090221.jpg File:新北投支線彩繪列車開往新北投.jpg	2005–2009	Kawasaki, TRSCTemplate:Efn		321	301–338 (1st batch) 401–466 (2nd batch) 397–399 (for branch lines only)	File:Taipei Metro Line G.svg File:Taipei Metro Line O.svg File:Taipei Metro Line Xinbeitou Branch.svg File:Taipei Metro Line Xiaobitan Branch.svg	Template:Plainlist	Template:Plainlist
C381	File:台北捷運 (16121252479).jpg	2010–2013	Kawasaki, TRSC	141.42	144	501–548	File:Taipei Metro Line R.svg File:Taipei Metro Line G.svg	Beitou,Template:Efn XindianTemplate:Efn	6-car train in DM–T–M+M–T–DM configuration as two 3-car sets

Engineering trains

Taipei Metro also uses a fleet of specialised trains for maintenance of way purposes:<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Car Type	Purpose	Builder	Max. speed (km/h)	Length (m)	Lines used on
Barclay locomotive	Traction for maintenance rolling stock	Hunslet-Barclay	35	13.5	File:Taipei Metro Line R.svg File:Taipei Metro Line Xinbeitou Branch.svg File:Taipei Metro Line G.svg File:Taipei Metro Line Xiaobitan Branch.svg File:Taipei Metro Line O.svg File:Taipei Metro Line BL.svg
Tamping machine	Track ballast tamping	Plasser & Theurer	0.25	29.2
Railgrinder	Restore the profile and remove irregularities from worn tracks	Speno, Harsco<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	2–7		33
Rail inspection vehicle	Measure and record rail track-related data	Plasser & Theurer	30	12.5
Ultrasonic rail testing vehicle	Detects internal cracks within rail tracks using ultrasound	Speno	25	8.4
High pressure cleaning car	Cleaning of rail tracks and third rail	China Steel Corporation	2–7	26
Water storage and power car	Provides water source and propulsion for high pressure cleaning car			26
Vacuum cleaning vehicle	Remove tunnel sludge		rowspan="2" Template:N/a	19
Flash welding vehicle	Rail welding	Plasser & Theurer	16.24
Rail crane wagon	Lifting heavy spare parts	China Steel Corporation	45	11.2/11.4/16.4/18.7
Flat wagon	Carry spare parts	Template:N/a	rowspan="2" Template:N/a	18.7
Open wagon	Carry ballast	China Steel Corporation	19.8
Water tanker	Store water used for cleaning purposes	Template:N/a	2–7	rowspan="2" Template:N/a
Maintenance locomotive	Maintenance of way	Nicolas	Template:N/a	File:Taipei Metro Line BR.svg

Depots

The system currently has 9 depots, with more under construction.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Depot Name	Year Opened	Location	Rolling Stock Housed	Line(s) Served
Template:Ill	1996	Wenshan, northeast of Template:Stl	VAL256, BT370	File:Taipei Metro Line BR.svg
Template:Ill	1997	Beitou, southwest of Template:Stl	C301, C371 (single), C381	File:Taipei Metro Line R.svg File:Taipei Metro Line Xinbeitou Branch.svg
Template:Ill	1998	Zhonghe, east of Template:Stl	C371	File:Taipei Metro Line O.svg
Template:Ill	1999	Xindian, northwest of Template:Stl	C371, C381	File:Taipei Metro Line G.svg File:Taipei Metro Line Xiaobitan Branch.svg
Template:Ill	2000	Nangang, southeast of Template:Stl	C321, C341	File:Taipei Metro Line BL.svg
Template:Ill	2006	Tucheng, southwest of Template:Stl
Template:Ill	2009	Nangang, northeast of Template:Stl	VAL256, BT370	File:Taipei Metro Line BR.svg
Template:Ill	2010	Luzhou, northwest of Template:Stl	C371	File:Taipei Metro Line O.svg
Template:Ill	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Xinzhuang, north of Template:Stl	C371	File:Taipei Metro Line O.svg

• Taipei Metro C301 and C381 trains at Beitou Depot 01.jpg

  Beitou Depot stabling tracks

• Taipei MRT Beitou Depot 04.jpg

  Train wash at Beitou Depot

• Rail service vehicles at Taipei Metro Beitou Depot.jpg

  Engineering trains stabled at Beitou Depot

• Taipei MRT Beitou Workshop 02.jpg

  Inside Beitou Depot

• Taipei MRT Xindian Depot1.jpg

  Xindian Depot building

• Taipei MRT Xindian Depot Rails.jpg

  Xindian Depot stabling tracks

• 2020 Luzhou Depot i.jpg

  Entrance of Luzhou Depot

• 2020 Luzhou Depot.jpg

  Luzhou Depot

• A corner of Nangang depot.jpg

  Nangang Depot reception and stabling tracks

• TRTC Muzha Depot overview 20100405.jpg

  Birds-eye view of Muzha Depot

• C370 VAL256 in Muzha Depot 20090712.jpg

  Trains stabled at Muzha Depot

• Neihu Depot main gate view from Jingmao 1st Road 20140216.jpg

  Entrance of Neihu Depot

Reception

File:Taipei MRT Train full.jpg

Inside a Taipei Metro train during rush hour

Taipei Metro is one of the most expensive rapid transit systems ever constructed,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> with phase one of the system costing US$18 billion<ref name="geotechnical" /> and phase two estimated to have cost US$13.8 billion.

Despite earlier controversy, by the time the first phase of construction was completed in 2000, it was generally agreed that the metro project was a success, and it has since become an essential part of life in Taipei. The system has been effective in reducing traffic congestion in the city and has spurred the revival of satellite towns (like Tamsui) and development of new areas (like Nangang).<ref name="nari" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The system has also helped to increase average vehicle speed for routes running from New Taipei into Taipei.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Property prices along metro routes (both new and existing) tend to increase with the opening of more lines.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Since the Taipei Metro joined the Nova International Railway Benchmarking Group and the Community of Metros (Nova/CoMET) in 2002, it has started collecting and analysing data of the 33 Key Performance Indicators set by Nova/CoMET in order to compare them with those of other metro systems around the world, as a reference to improve its operation. Taipei Metro also has gained keys to success from case studies on different subjects such as safety, reliability, and incidents, and from the operational experiences of other metro systems.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

According to a study conducted by the Railway Technology Strategy Center at Imperial College London,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and data gathered by Nova/CoMET, the Taipei Metro has ranked number 1 in the world for four consecutive years in terms of reliability, safety, and quality standards (2004–2007).<ref name="2008report" /> The most congested route sections handle over 38,000 commuters per hour during peak times.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On New Year's Eve 2009 and New Year's Day 2010, the Metro system transported 2.17 million passengers in 42 consecutive hours. On 22 April 2010 after 14 years of service, the system achieved the milestone of 4 billion cumulative riders.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 29 December 2010, the system passed the benchmark of 500 million annual passengers for the first time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The record for single day ridership hit 2.5 million passengers during the New Year's Eve celebrations on 31 December 2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following opening of the Xinyi section of Template:Lnl, the system reached another record of 2.75 million passengers on 31 December 2013.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In May 2016, the Singapore Transport Minister, Khaw Boon Wan, said that his country's rail operators, SBS Transit and SMRT, should emulate the example of Taipei Metro. Speaking at a rail engineering forum, he cited the Taipei Metro's timely maintenance and replacement of assets, as well as its fast response to rail network problems. Khaw said the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) is working with the TRTC to attach staff from SBS and SMRT to its metro workshops, so they can learn from its asset maintenance practices and engineering improvements.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Future expansions

File:TPERMEN.svg

Taipei Rail Map showing current lines, lines under construction, and planned lines. Other rail systems are also shown.

Several lines are planned to be added to the network.<ref name="secondstage">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="taipeimrt">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="thirdstage">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Phases 2 and 3 of the Circular line

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Phase 2 of the Circular line is under construction and planned to be completed in June 2031.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Phase 2 consists of a northern and southern section. The northern section will continue from Template:Stl to Template:Stl. This section will service Wugu, Luzhou, Sanchong, Shilin, and Neihu. The southern section will continue from Template:Stl to Template:Stl and will mainly service Wenshan. Upon reaching a year before completion of Phase 2 of the Circular line, the Circular line will be handed back to Taipei Metro from New Taipei Metro.

Phase 3 has began construction in 2025 and is expected to finish in 2032.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Phase 3 consists of the eastern section, which will connect Template:Stl and Template:Stl in Phase 2, making the line a complete loop.

Wanda–Zhonghe–Shulin line (Light Green line)

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Wanda–Zhonghe–Shulin is a metro line under construction. Phase 1 will run from Template:Stl to Juguang, Zhonghe, New Taipei. Phase 1 is expected to be completed in 2027.

Phase 2 will connect Zhonghe Senior High School, the previous station of Juguang, to Template:Stl, making the part between Zhonghe Senior High School and Juguang a branch line. The entire line is expected to be fully completed around late 2028.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

Minsheng–Xizhi line (Sky Blue line)

Template:Update{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Minsheng–Xizhi is a planned metro line. As of February 2011, New Taipei has been pursuing the construction of the 17.52-km Minsheng–Xizhi line, though the most recent plan was rejected by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, citing the need for further evidence for the line's viability.<ref name="ntcreex">Template:Cite news</ref> The city plans to re-submit the proposal, and the project is estimated to cost NT$42.2 billion (US$1.44 billion).<ref name="ntcreex" /> A possible 4.25-km extension of the line to connect with the planned Keelung light rail is also being considered.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The line is planned to be built partially underground and partially elevated. It will begin from Dadaocheng Harbour beneath Minsheng West Road in Taipei, run along Minsheng East and West Roads, pass through Minsheng Community and journey under the Keelung River towards the Neihu District. The line will then change to an elevated mode and reach its termini at Xintai 5th Road in Xizhi District, New Taipei City. As of May 2018, the proposal for this line has been submitted to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, but has yet to be approved.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Safety and security

2001 typhoon flooding

On 17 September 2001, Typhoon Nari flooded all underground tracks as well as 16 stations, the heavy-capacity system operation control center, the administration building, and the Nangang Depot.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The elevated Template:Lnl was not seriously affected and resumed operations the next day. However, the heavy-capacity lines were not restored to full operational status until three months later.<ref name="nari" />

2014 stabbing attack

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} On 21 May 2014, 28 people were stabbed in a mass stabbing by a knife-wielding college student on the Template:Lnl.<ref name="Knifings">Template:Cite news</ref> The attack occurred on a train near Template:Stl, resulting in 4 deaths and 24 injured.<ref name="Focus">Template:Cite news</ref> It was the first fatal attack on the metro system since it began operations in 1996. The suspect was 21-year-old Cheng Chieh (鄭捷), a university student at Tunghai University, who was arrested at Template:Stl immediately after the incident.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 6 March 2015, Cheng Chieh was found guilty on multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, and was sentenced to death. He was subsequently executed on 10 May 2016.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Controversies

In early 2021, it was discovered that a pornographic film production company had created a series of sets which copied the design of MRT trains and stations. This caused a brief stir when it was first released as many were concerned that the films had been shot on actual MRT trains and stations. Nevertheless, it was still condemned by Taipei MRT for imitating its train carriages.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On 30 December 2021, Taipei MRT rejected an Amnesty International advertisement which featured detained human rights activist Lee Ming-che.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

See also

• Maokong Gondola
• Rail transport in Taiwan
• Lists of rapid transit systems
• List of metro systems

External links

• Template:Wikisourceinline
• Template:Commons category-inline
• Taipei Future Rail Network Map
• Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation – official website
• Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems
• Taipei City Government – official website
• Taipei at UrbanRail.net (archived 26 July 2019)