Episode Description

On this episode we make a trip over to Taipei’s Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) for an update on the decades-long Taipei Metro project, and while we’re there we learn a little bit more about the lines set to open later this year.

Guest: Deputy Commissioner Shih-Choib Fu

Visit DORTS at their English website. While you’re there check out this map to get a sense of what the lines currently under construction will look like. And check out this map to see what the plan is for the final completed network.

Recommended Reading

The Songshan line is the most recently completed. As we mention in the interview, the line had a bit of a bumpy opening with “minor flaws” identified by inspectors, and an unusual layout causing confusion for riders.

Didn’t get a chance to talk about the Wanda line much in the interview, but its construction recently got politicized when a “second groundbreaking ceremony” led to accusations of political grandstanding. Here’s a more just the facts kind of article from CNA about the groundbreaking and what the line is aimed at doing.

How to listen

Taiwan Talk is broadcast during the 8am and 6pm newscasts on ICRT FM 100 on both Mondays and Tuesdays. Listen over the radio or stream it by clicking on the “live” button at the top of the ICRT homepage.

You can also download episodes of this program online at the ICRT website and on the show’s iTunes page. New episodes are added every Wednesday.

You can learn more about Taiwan Talk at the show page here.

You can also find past episodes on this blog here.

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