Fri, Apr 26, 2002 - Page 8 News List

Moving right along...

By Max Woodworth  /  STAFF REPORTER

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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