The New Taipei City Council held a general municipal inquiry today (10th). Democratic Progressive Party Councilor Chen Yongfu questioned the planned 5.81-kilometer, 20.271 billion yuan "Shenkeng Light Rail", pointing out that the project has been promoted for more than 20 years without success, and local governments have frequently questioned it and it has become an election fraud. Mayor Hou Youyi said that the Shenkeng Line is an important link in the "Four Rings and Eight Lines" road network. It was previously delayed due to the need to integrate opinions from engine factories and routes. At present, relevant opinions have been converged. It has been reported to the Ministry of Transport and responded to the Executive Yuan's opinions. It can be launched after the Executive Yuan's approval.
The New Taipei City Government plans a "four-ring and eight-line" MRT network with a total length of 189 kilometers and a total of 182 stations, covering most of the administrative areas of New Taipei City. It hopes to connect the northern and northern Tao common living circles and shorten the distance between urban and rural areas through MRT construction. In addition to the Bannan Line, Xinzhuang Line, Danhai Line Phase 1, New Taipei Circular Line, Ankeng Line and Sanying Line that are currently open to traffic, the current plan also includes the Shenkeng Line, which will cost 20.271 billion yuan, have a planned route length of 5.81 kilometers and five stations.
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This light rail line is connected to the Muzha Zoo Station of the Wenhu Line. The route starts from the north side of the MRT Zoo Station, goes east along Xinguang Road and crosses Jingmei Creek, then turns south and runs along the center of Muzha Road. It passes through the Muzha Interchange of National Highway No. 3, continues eastward along Wenshan Road and the south bank of Jingmei Creek to Xile Bridge, then crosses Jingmei Creek and ends at Beishen Road in the north. The current plan has not yet been approved and is still in the feasibility study stage. It is expected to be completed in seven years after the central government approves the comprehensive planning report.
When asked, Chen Yongfu pointed out that the biggest criticism reported by Shenkeng citizens is that the promotion of light rail has not seen results for more than 20 years. Now when local governments talk about light rail, they criticize it. The situation is like the Tamkang Bridge back then. It was criticized for vote fraud before the election and disappeared without a trace after the election. I have long proposed that the Shenkeng Light Rail is related to the local development in the next 30 years. I asked Mayor Hou Youyi if he had ever gone to the Ministry of Transportation to coordinate the effort.
In response to the inquiry, Hou Youyi said that the MRT Director and the Deputy Mayor often hold meetings to coordinate various routes, and he continues to seek assistance from the Ministry of Transportation. As for the progress of the Shenkeng Light Rail, the case was previously under scrutiny by the Ministry of Transportation, involving the relocation of the hangar and the overall planning. In addition, there were different opinions on whether the route should take Wenshan Road or the location along the route, so it was stuck and delayed for a period of time. At present, through coordination and the assistance of legislators, the relevant information has been completely prepared, and local opinions have been integrated.
Chen Yongfu said that the subsequent urban expansion plan of deep pits will be handed over to the next team for continued supervision; Hou Youyi emphasized that as long as it is reviewed and approved by the Executive Yuan, there will be no problem.
MRT Director Li Zhengan added that the opinions should be restrained and there is no objection. Last time, because of the issue of whether to promote participation, it was decided not to use the method of promoting participation. It was also reported to the Ministry of Transportation. Now the opinions of the Executive Yuan have been answered. The next stage is whether the Executive Yuan should start to approve it.
