Taiwan’s first light-rail system, in Kaohsiung, might not be able to start trial operations by the end of this month as more tests and paperwork are needed, city officials said yesterday.
It might take another month for system operators to complete reviews to apply for final approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Kaohsiung Deputy Secretary-General Chen Horng-yih (陳鴻益) said.
A 13-member review board organized by the Kaohsiung City Government examined the tram line earlier this month and found 21 issues that must be addressed before the city can reach the next stage for light-rail operation.
The issues involve platform and corner designs at the stations, as well as further checks on traffic signals at crossroads.
The approach of Typhoon Goni could be another factor delaying related procedures, officials said.
Kaohsiung began construction of the first phase of its light-rail system, which will run in a circular route, in June 2013.
The first phase of the project, which cost NT$16.54 billion (US$503.1 million), includes an 8.7km tram line built along the Kaohsiung Harbor and 14 stops.
The light-rail system, to be the nation’s first, was designed and is being built by Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles SA, and runs with no wires above the trams.
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