Hou inspects Sanying Line, calls for better quake resistance

NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News)—New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) inspected the Sanying Line (捷運三鶯線) on Monday (July 15), emphasizing the importance of enhancing its earthquake resistance. He noted that the current design withstands a magnitude 6 earthquake but stressed the need for further reinforcement to ensure safety and accountability.

Li Cheng-an (李政安), head of the Department of Rapid Transit Systems, New Taipei City Government (新北市捷運局), reported that the Sanying Line's overall progress had reached 76%, and operations are expected to commence in the first half of 2026.

Li explained that the line's structural integrity must meet Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC, 交通部) standards, ensuring no significant damage occurs during a magnitude 6 earthquake.

Li assured that the Sanying Line would not experience displacement issues similar to those of the Circular Line (環狀線), which was severely damaged during the earthquake in April, and has not yet started operating.

He also responded to council members' inquiries about the timeline, indicating that the line would be completed in 2025, followed by initial inspections and evaluations in early 2026. Based on experience, this process would take approximately three months, making the first half of 2026 a feasible target for opening.

The Sanying Line will connect to the Bannan Line (板南線) at Dingpu Station (頂埔站). To alleviate potential crowding, Taipei Metro (台北捷運公司) is procuring seven additional trains to increase service frequency. The 14.3-kilometer line will feature 12 elevated stations and one depot, reducing commute times from Sanxia (三峽) and Yingge (鶯歌) to Taipei by 20 minutes.

Councilor Chiang I-chen (江怡臻) believes the expanding New Taipei Metro network will benefit environmental sustainability, tourism, commuting, and local economic development, making the area more attractive for talent recruitment.