TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Maokong Gondola (貓空纜車) closed Monday (April 20) for cable trimming and non-destructive testing through Friday (April 24), with operations expected to resume Saturday. Taipei Metro Recreation (北捷遊憩公司), which operates the popular tourist attraction, announced the maintenance to ensure passenger safety and system reliability.
The gondola, which has operated for 19 years since its 2007 launch, undergoes annual equipment overhauls and tests as part of its safety protocol. Heavy usage has caused the cables to stretch significantly, forcing the tension carriage to its limit and requiring mechanical adjustment. The system completed updates for the first and second cable sections in 2021, followed by initial trimming of the second section in early 2024.
The company will conduct the second trimming of the cable's second section, following the original manufacturer's guidelines. The Maokong Gondola will also undergo its annual maintenance shutdown from June 8 to June 28, with service resuming on June 29. Maintenance will include routine overhauls and tests on critical components including drive wheel bearings, gearbox and main motor.
During the maintenance period, visitors can reach the Maokong area using alternative bus routes. Options include Brown 15 (棕15), S10 (小10) and the Maokong Shuttle Bus Left Line (Taipei Zoo) (貓空遊園公車左線（動物園）). For more information, visitors can contact Taipei Metro Recreation at (02)2578-3536 or visit the company's website. ◼