It wasn't too long ago that the Taipei MRT system was held up as an example
of all that doesn't work in the city. Construction costs raced past their
original estimates, contractors filed lawsuits, tunnels that were meant to
meet up didn't connect and major roads were constantly clogged during the
seemingly interminable construction period. Foreigners also scratched their
heads at the addition of a woman's voice, apparently intended to provide the
"for-foreigners announcement," butchering the Mandarin name of practically
every stop - Tamshui came out as "am-Suey," as in Chop Suey.
But that's all over now that most of the kinks have been worked out and the
Panchiao-Nankang line is finally open, connecting the other two main lines
that previously just moved people along unlinked parallel axes.
Eager to put the darker chapters of the MRT's history behind it and bursting
with pride over the success of the completed initial stage of the system,
the Taipei City Government is hosting the 2002 World Metro Symposium and
Exhibition until Sunday.
On exhibit will be some of the tools used to make the MRT, among them a
massive tunnel borer and other mass transit technological gadgets that
should excite people who are deeply into heavy machinery or industrial
design.
A major purpose of the exhibition will be to examine the ways of integrating
mass transit into the city's social fabric, with Moscow, Paris and London
serving as exemplary models.
The exhibition will take place at the Taipei World Trade Center until Sunday
from 9am to 5pm. Entrance to the show is free.
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