The Taichung City Government established the preparatory office for the Department of Rapid Transit Systems. On the 18th, Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen and the city government’s team presided over the opening ceremony, which signifies an important step in expanding Taichung's MRT infrastructure. Mayor Lu noted that since the launch of the city’s first MRT line - Green Line, ongoing efforts for railway infrastructure and urban development have been made. The forthcoming Blue Line is set to enter the construction phase, addressing the central Taiwan public’s demand for major transport infrastructure. This new move strengthens the cross-axis MRT network, bringing Taichung closer to its vision of becoming a city with a well-developed MRT network!

Mayor Lu highlighted that the success of Taipei Metro over the past 30 years is widely recognized, and in the next 30 years, the Taichung City Government aims to make Taichung’s MRT network more comprehensive. Currently, the city operates only the Green Line, but it’s entering a period of extensive MRT development. The Blue Line, which will link Taiwan Boulevard with Shalu and Wuqi, is set to begin construction soon.

Additionally, the construction of several lines will follow suit, including the Green Line’s extension to Dakeng and Changhua, the Orange Line that will connect Taichung International Airport to Wufeng, the Purple Line that will loop from Beitun’s Songzhu Road to Dali and the South District, and the Red Line that will extend from Beitun’s Chongde Road to Fengyuan.

“The task is critical!” Mayor Lu noted that with the progress of the MRT Blue Line and other lines steadily advancing, there is an increased workload for MRT-related operations. Therefore, a dedicated department is required to manage MRT construction, enhance the level of organizational structure for MRT projects, recruit manpower, and speed up construction progress. In a proactive move, the city government has established the preparatory office for the Department of Rapid Transit Systems at the Beitun Depot’s administration building, laying the groundwork for future organizational enhancement. The Department of Rapid Transit Systems is Taichung’s 31st departmental entity, and apart from Tainan City, every municipality in Taiwan now has one. Over the next 30 years, Taichung will see substantial MRT development.

Mayor Lu noted that expanding and reorganizing the workforce is a priority and essential to handle the extensive MRT projects ahead. She thanked the central government for its additional funding, which enabled the establishment of the Department of Rapid Transit Systems, facilitating the early construction of the Blue Line, Green Line’s extensions, and the MRT Airport Line, all of which will help create a comprehensive MRT network in Greater Taichung. She also expressed gratitude to the city council members for supporting and approving the amendment to the city’s self-governing regulations today.

Director Yeh Chao-fu of the Transportation Bureau noted that Taichung, now Taiwan's second-largest municipality with a steadily growing population of over 2.85 million, faces tremendous traffic management challenges. With the highest number of registered vehicles among Taiwan’s six municipalities, totaling 1,188,003, Taichung is taking proactive steps to promote the development of the mass rapid transit system. This effort aims to curb the use of private vehicles, address the issue of traffic congestion due to urban development, and foster tourism and economic growth, enhancing the balanced development in Greater Taichung.

Director Yeh explained that in addition to establishing the preparatory office for the Department of Rapid Transit Systems and recruiting personnel dedicated to MRT operations, Taichung is entering a new phase of collaboration with Taipei in MRT development. On October 21, the two cities will sign a memorandum of cooperation, through which Taipei will share its MRT-related experience, pass on knowledge, and facilitate resource and personnel exchanges. It is expected to improve Taichung’s MRT project efficiency and construction quality, helping to complete and launch services sooner while fostering urban development and creating a shared, thriving public transport network.

Director Yeh noted that the MRT construction spans diverse fields, including transportation, civil engineering, architecture, railways, and mechatronics. To ensure timely, high-quality construction progress, the Blue Line project will be managed in-house by the city government. With the preparatory office established, they aim to attract more MRT engineering experts to drive these efforts forward. Preparations for the Department of Rapid Transit Systems are currently underway, adhering to legal protocols, while work on MRT projects continues actively. The goal is to begin the Blue Line construction as soon as possible, establishing vital transport connections across Taichung's mountain, coastal, Tun, and city areas.

At today’s event, Mayor Lu, Legislator Huang Chien-hao, city council member Liu Shih-chou, Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-jung, Secretary-General Huang Chung-tien, Deputy Secretaries-General Lin Yu-hung and Chang Ta-chun, Transportation Bureau Director Yeh Chao-fu, Information Bureau Director Luan Chih-yi, Civil Affairs Bureau Director Wu Shih-wei, and Chairman Yen Pang-chieh and General Manager Chu Lai-shun of the Taichung Mass Rapid Transit Corporation were all present. City Council member Hsieh Chia-yi also sent a representative to show support.