Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

The long-awaited MRT Neihu Line commenced operations on July 4. During the opening ceremony at MRT Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin inserted the key to open the station gates, symbolizing a new era for the city’s mass rapid transit system.
Before the departure of the first train at 9 AM, the mayor welcomed a delegation comprising of over 40 employees from the Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) and their family members to the ceremony. He thanked the hardworking employees and their family members for their understanding and sacrifice, allowing the new line to be completed on schedule.
The members of the group were invited to ride on the train with the mayor, and to see for themselves the fruits of their hard work and sacrifice. Hau stressed that for the past six years, the most demanding part of the project rested upon the shoulders of the first line staff members. He recalled that one of the project managers – who was responsible for 4.6 km track section – carried out daily inspection of the site; the trips he made over the years adds up to multiple round-island trips.
To celebrate the opening of the MRT Neihu line, the broadcast on the first train included a short introduction about the new line. With 24 stations and spanning 25 kilometers, passengers will be able to travel from one end to the other end of the MRT Neihu/Muzha Line (from MRT Taipei Zoo Station to MRT Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station) in approximately 44 minutes.
Disembarking at MRT Taipei Zoo Station, the mayor noted that the entire trip was smooth, and that he enjoyed the discussions with the staff and their family members. Regarding the reports of delays due to doors shutting and opening, the mayor indicated that the alert systems of MRT Neihu Line are extremely sensitive. He explained that this is to ensure the safety of passengers, and he asked the public to be careful not to interfere with the closing of the train doors.