The Taipei Songshan MRT Line could be launched in the middle of this month after it passed inspection yesterday, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC).
The inspection was conducted by members of a committee, formed by ministry officials and independent experts. Jointly, they evaluated the MRT line from the aspects of civil engineering, electromechanical engineering and operation.
Lin Chi-kuo (林繼國), director-general of the ministry’s Department of Highways and Railways, said the committee members identified a total of 18 issues that need to be addressed. However, Lin said there are six issues that need to be addressed before the MRT line begins operations, including problems found at Songshan Station, Taipei Arena Station, Nanjing Fuxing Station, Songshan Nanjing Station, Zhongshan Station and Songshan MRT Power Station.
Based on the issues listed by the committee members, problems range from unclear directions and malfunctioning lighting or signs, to the design of the ramps for use by disabled passengers. Meanwhile, the committee members found that one of the escalators in Songshan Station vibrates when people stand on it. They also found in Zhongshan Station that an escalator stops suddenly due to oversensitivity in its safety mechanism.
Fu Shih-choib (傅式治), deputy commissioner of the Taipei’s Department of Rapid Transit Systems, said that all six major issues can be addressed within a week.
“The results of the improvements will first be confirmed by the Taipei City Government and then approved by MOTC,” Fu said.
“Overall, we do not see any severe shortage in the inspection,” Lin said, adding that the Taipei City Government is set to announce the official launch date after completing all the administrative procedures.
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