Taipei MRT’s Songshan Line Opens: Bicycles Allowed on Board from December 20

▲Taipei MRT's Songshan Line has officially opened for service (Photo / Reporter Chen Mingren)

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive Report

Taipei MRT’s “Songshan Line” officially began operations at 6 a.m. on the 15th, and opened one month of free trial rides to the public. Many people took advantage of the weekend to experience the new line. Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation also announced that starting December 20, bicycles will be allowed on board at seven stations along the Songshan Line during holidays.

The official opening of the Songshan Line also means that the Xinpu and Tamsui lines are now officially separated. Many commuters took the opportunity during the weekend holiday to try out the new route and familiarize themselves with their future commute to work or school.

Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation stated that after the official opening of the Songshan Line, three additional transfer stations have been added: Zhongshan Station, Songjiang Nanjing Station, and Nanjing Fuxing Station. Except for the need to transfer twice between Zhonghe-Xinlu Line and Wenhu Line, transfers between all other lines require only one change, making it easier for passengers to reach their destinations across different lines.

%The first day of operation saw crowds of passengers (Photo / Reporter Chen Mingren)

In addition, to ensure smooth passenger flow and safety, Taipei MRT also announced that starting December 20, bicycles will be allowed on board at seven stations on the Songshan Line during holidays—Ximen Station, Beimen Station, Zhongshan Station, Songjiang Nanjing Station, Taipei Arena Station, Nanjing Sanmin Station, and Songshan Station. The total number of MRT stations in the Taipei system where bicycles are allowed on holidays has increased to 85.

Except for stations on the Wenhu Line, as well as Tamsui Station, Taipei Main Station, Da’an Station, Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, Nangang Exhibition Center Station, and Nanjing Fuxing Station, bicycles will be allowed at all other stations.

From now until December 14, the Songshan Line allows passengers to ride for free with an EasyCard for one month. Special fare zones—including all stations between Guting and Nanshijiao, all stations between Guting and Xinpu (including Xiaobitan Station), and all stations traveling between NTU Hospital and Tamsui (including Xinbeitou Station)—will offer a 30% discount for EasyCard users. Other distances will maintain current fare pricing.