Transportation projects will take top priority in an Executive Yuan plan to funnel NT$300 billion (US$8.73 billion) into public projects over the next three years in an attempt to revitalize the economy, Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Ling-san (
In an interview with CNA, Lin said that for the period between 2004 and 2006, his ministry has approved transportation projects with a total cost of NT$200 billion.
Lin said many transportation projects that have been shelved because of the government's tight budget will be rolled out in the Executive Yuan's all-out effort to boost the economy.
These projects will be carried out all over the nation, Lin added.
In northern Taiwan, the major projects include an additional mass rapid transport route in Taipei City, a circular mass rapid transportation system in Taipei County, and rail improvements between Hsinchu City and Neiwan, including a rail link between the Taiwan High Speed Railway Station at Liouchia and the Hsinchu railway station.
The railway between Taipei and Chungli will be elevated to wipe out level crossings between the two stations.
In central Taiwan, the ministry will recommend that Taichung City should establish bus-exclusive lanes and switch to low-chassis, low-pollution buses within the city to better cope with the narrow streets.
Also in central Taiwan, the railway between Fengyuan and Wuchi will be elevated, and two new roads, linking Puli with Wufung and Fengyuan with Wufung, respectively, will be built.
Meanwhile, a mass rapid transit system will be built linking the Tainan Science-based Industrial Park and the High Speed Railroad Station at Salung.
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