Taipei's Maokong cable car system in Muzha (
"We've spared no effort to solve the problems during the test-run period, and we are evaluating the possibility of adding air conditioners in the cabins," Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (
The city government will form an emergency response team to solve any problems that the 4km-long cable car system might run into.
The cable car runs from the Taipei Municipal Zoo to Maokong with a stop at Chihnan Temple (指南宮).
delay
The starting date of the system was pushed back for a month because of mounting concerns about the system's safety and noise pollution.
Many of the passengers who took a ride during the 12-week test-run period complained about the heat and humidity.
The city government's New Construction Department said it had added more holes and window shades in all 144 cabins to improve ventilation, but acknowledged that they might not be enough to keep the heat at bay during summer.
Hau said the emergency response team will continue to monitor the system and work to solve any problems in future.
The system, which cost more than NT$1.3 billion (US$39.3 million) to build, is the only cable car system in the country that travels in a mountainous region along its entire route.
It will operate from 9am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and from 8:30am to 10pm on weekends and holidays.
Passengers can use their mass rapid transit (MRT) system EasyCards to pay for their tickets. Prices are set at NT$30, NT$40 and NT$50.
crowds
As the system is expected to attract huge crowds during the summer break, Taipei Smart Card Corp is issuing "321" ticket packages starting today at a price of NT$180 at the MRT's Taipei Zoo Station and all cable car stations.
The "321" ticket allows passengers to take three cable car rides, two bus transfers and one visit to the Taipei Zoo, the company said.
The company is also issuing EasyCards with Mickey and Minnie Mouse pictures at a price of NT$390 to mark the system's opening.
The Mickey and Minnie Mouse EasyCards allow passengers to take two cable car rides.
While encouraging visitors to take the cable car to enjoy the scenery and drink tea in Maokong, the city government also reminded the public to expect long queues during the system's opening weekend.
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