Lawmakers were keen to propose transportation projects on behalf of the counties they represent at a Transportation Committee meeting at the legislature yesterday, ahead of the unveiling of a major infrastructure program.
The Cabinet is today scheduled to reveal the details of its “Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program,” which is to be implemented over the next eight years on an estimated budget of NT$880 billion (US$28.9 billion), of which about 60 percent is to be spent on upgrading transport infrastructure.
Lawmakers made last-ditch efforts to pitch their ideas during a question-and-answer session following the committee meeting.
Photo: Cheng Hung-ta, Taipei Times
They were briefed by Ministry of Transportation and Communications officials about a plan to ease traffic congestion during the four-day Tomb Sweeping Day holiday next month and planned enhancements to transport infrastructure on the east coast and on outlying islands.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Ou-po (陳歐珀), who represents Yilan County, complained that his county is only to receive NT$12 million through the program.
The central government always prioritizes the needs of people on the west coast over those on the east coast and the outlying islands, regardless of which party is in charge, he said.
He said that traffic jams always occur inside the Hsuehshan Tunnel (雪山隧道) on the Chiang Wei-Shui Freeway (National Freeway No. 5) whenever there is a long weekend or a major national holiday, adding that it is also difficult for residents in eastern Taiwan to purchase railway tickets.
Chen said that he has been proposing a direct railway line be built between Taipei’s Nangang District (南港) and Yilan’s Toucheng Township (頭城), but the ministry is unwilling to incorporate this project into the Cabinet’s program.
Even though the Suhua Highway Improvement Project is scheduled to be completed next year, traffic in Yilan is only going to get worse once it is finished, because Suhua Highway (Highway No. 9) and National Freeway No. 5 are not connected, Chen said.
DPP Legislator Lin Chun-hsien (林俊憲), from Tainan, reminded Minister of Transportation and Communications Hochen Tan (賀陳旦) that his city is the only special municipality in the nation that does not have a mass rapid transit (MRT) system.
Lin said that Tainan Mayor William Lai (賴清德) had proposed building two MRT lines and had submitted the plan to for the ministry’s approval last year.
“Premier Lin Chuan (林全) has said that the program aims to introduce projects minimizing developmental gaps between urban and rural areas, and this MRT system would be one of them. The needs of the people in the south have long been ignored; that is why Tainan still does not have a MRT system,” Lin added.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
SIX SUBSIDIES: The monthly allowance for older farmers is to increase to NT$10,000, and NT$5,000 is to be given to homemakers under the national pension system, Lai said The government is to implement major welfare policies for disadvantaged groups, including raising the monthly allowance for older farmers to NT$10,000 and providing homemakers with NT$5,000 per month, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks during a visit to Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, saying that the planned increases were being introduced amid economic growth and an increase in tax revenue. Touting a policy, in which the government plans to provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for every child under the age of 18 in a bid to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, Lai said that if received for the
RSS