By the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, compiled and reported

Since taking office, Ko Wen-je held his first i-Voting to decide on a policy direction—whether to keep or remove the Gongguan Pedestrian Zone in the commercial area. The voting results were officially released on the 17th. After two rounds of voting—both online and offline—the majority of the businesses and residents in the area opposed the zone, accounting for 71%. The Gongguan Pedestrian Zone, originally planned by the former Taipei City Government, which had been trialed since August 2014, has now officially come to an end.

The Gongguan Commercial Area covers areas including Roosevelt Road, Tingzhou Road, and Xinyi South Road. It also serves as a major transportation hub to Jingmei, Muzha, and Xindian, becoming a transit point for students from Jingmei Girls’ High School, Shih Hsin University, and National Chengchi University who take buses and the MRT. The area attracts a large student crowd, fostering vibrant business opportunities. In addition to many local snacks, adventurous visitors can also try a variety of international cuisines here. Nearby attractions such as Treasure Hill Artist Village and the Taipei Water Museum also make it a popular weekend destination for shopping and sightseeing.

The Taipei City Government began a three-month trial of the slow-traffic pedestrian zone in the Gongguan Commercial Area starting August 2, 2014. From noon to 10 p.m. on weekends, only pedestrians and bicycles were allowed. Since the trial began, many pedestrians supported the zone, saying it made shopping more comfortable. However, shop owners and residents strongly opposed it, citing a decline in business and inconvenience caused by the traffic restrictions. Following a public poll conducted by Mayor Ko Wen-je’s administration on the 17th, the voting result was 29% in favor and 71% against, leading to the decision not to continue the zone. Thus, the Gongguan Pedestrian Zone has become history.As for the traffic issues in the Gongguan Commercial Area, the Taipei City Department of Transportation will continue to improve parking order nearby, step up enforcement against illegal parking, charge for roadside motorcycle parking, and widen physical sidewalks to enhance the overall pedestrian environment.

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