Initial inspection of Taipei MRT Songshan Line: seamless transfers to Taiwan Railways and Airport MRT

▲Taipei MRT Songshan Line Beimen Station. (Photo/Chen Ming-jen, reporter)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The initial inspection of Taipei MRT’s Songshan Line took place over five days, during which preliminary issues were identified, including suboptimal vehicle stopping routes at bus transfer stations, malfunctioning toilet flush sensors, and unclear signage. The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation stated that these issues should be resolved within a week. Once operational,Songshan Station will be connected to Taiwan Railways’ Songshan Station via an underground passage, while Beimen Station will eventually link to the Airport MRT Taipei City Hall Station, making transfers to either Taiwan Railways or the Airport MRT extremely convenient.

The initial inspection process involved visiting each station on the Songshan Line in the morning to conduct on-site reviews of civil engineering, track and electromechanical equipment, toilet and signal systems, and flood prevention facilities. In the afternoon, a “mock test” was held to simulate emergency responses. Some committee members pointed out that transfer information should be enhanced before the final inspection, while others suggested adjusting the exit signs for Raohe Night Market and Songshan Elementary School. After evening group discussions and a summary meeting, the Taipei City Department of Transportation will release the initial inspection results.

▲Taipei MRT Songshan Line Songshan Station. (Photo/Chen Ming-jen, reporter)

The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation stated that all issues listed prior to the initial inspection must be resolved before submitting the line for the final inspection by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Once both the initial and final inspections are completed and the Ministry issues written approval,Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-pin will officially announce the operational opening date.

The Songshan Line aims to open in November. Once operational, it will connect with the Xindian Line to form the “Xindian–Songshan” Line, becoming the third east-west MRT route in Taipei. The Xindian Line will also be separated from the Tamsui Line.

▲Taipei MRT Songshan Line “Songshan Station” features a beautiful large-scale light art installation. (Photo/Chen Ming-jen, reporter)

The Taipei MRT Songshan Line spans a total length of 8.5 kilometers and includes eight underground stations: Ximen, Beimen, Zhongshan, Songjiang Nanjing, Nanjing Fuxing, Taipei Arena, Nanjing Sanmin, and Songshan. The entire journey takes approximately 15 minutes. The MRT company stated that once the Songshan Line opens, the number of MRT transfer stations will increase from nine to twelve. Except for the need to transfer twice between the Zhonghe–Xinlu and Wenhu Lines, transfers between all other lines will require a maximum of one change, allowing passengers to reach their destinations more efficiently and helping to distribute passenger traffic. (News source: Central News Agency)