Beishi Science Park Traffic Briefing: First Bus Route Expected to Launch on April 10

Taipei City Councilor Lin Hsing-erh of the Kuomintang held a briefing on "Beishi Science Park's Future Transportation and Development Planning" in the council chamber this afternoon. Representatives from the Taipei City Department of Transportation, Department of Rapid Transit Systems, Department of Urban Development, Department of Economic Development, and Beishi-Shilin Technology Park attended. The Department of Transportation reported that public transportation services will be introduced ahead of schedule, including the opening of the first bus route for Beishi Science Park (Beishi Science Park - MRT Zhishan Station - Shidong Road), which is expected to begin trial operations on April 10. The second bus route for Beishi Science Park (Red 68) has been on trial for three months since March and is expected to be officially launched by the end of June. Additionally, a dedicated bus lane will be established on Fuguo Road, with a decision expected by the end of June. Four new Youbike stations will also be installed, expected to be completed by the end of June. Regarding traffic monitoring, the Department of Transportation stated that relevant installation locations and quantities have been reviewed and prioritized for procurement this year. Inductive traffic signals are also being installed, expected to be completed by the end of this year. The Department of Rapid Transit Systems also provided an explanation of the overall Taipei Metro network evaluation, stating that in response to the Shezidao development, future development of Beishi Science Park (including travel demand from Fuguo Road to Tamsui-Xinyi Line), urban renewal of old communities in Datong District, development of the Chongqing North Road corridor, and future transportation needs in the Tianmu area, a consultant company was commissioned last year to conduct a "Shezi-Shilin-Beitou-Datong Area Network Evaluation." The Department of Rapid Transit Systems stated that it is actively conducting the evaluation and expects to complete the revised overall network evaluation plan this year, submitting it to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for review and approval. The future system will be a medium-capacity transit system rather than light rail. Lin Hsing-erh suggested that the Department of Rapid Transit Systems could design a separate "Beishi Science Park Line" from Beishi Science Park to Taipei MRT Zhishan Station. The depot could be located on the current site of the Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office. After planning is complete, it should be submitted to the Executive Yuan for approval and construction to address the insufficient public transportation capacity in Beishi Science Park. Lin Hsing-erh also stated that regarding the shortage of parking spaces in Beishi Science Park, she has asked the Taipei City Land Development Department and the Taipei City Parking Management Office to discuss the feasibility of revitalizing T3 and T4 land, and asked the Parking Management Office and Parks and Street Lights Office to study the feasibility of constructing an underground parking lot in Xianzigang Park. Lin Hsing-erh said that the MRT network should be planned as the top priority and could consider simplifying the name to "Beishi Science Park Line." Xianzigang Park is old and its existing facilities should be improved to match the style of Beishi Science Park. She also asked the Department of Transportation to study whether Keelung Bus and Taoyuan Bus can set up boarding points in Beishi Science Park. (Edited by Hsiao Po-wen) 1150407