Kaohsiung MRT Plans Eastern Extension to Link Jiucuotang, Buddha Memorial Center, and Qishan

(Central News Agency, reporter Lin Qiaolian, Kaohsiung, 5th) The Kaohsiung MRT network plan is set to extend eastward. The MRT Bureau announced it is promoting the eastern Kaohsiung network, which will use the TRA Jiucuotang Station as a connection node, running along Provincial Highway 29 to link the Buddha Memorial Center, Dashu, and Qishan areas.

The Kaohsiung City Government MRT Bureau issued a press release today stating that the overall MRT network is being reviewed and updated according to the network originally approved by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The eastern Kaohsiung area has been included in the concept of connecting to the Buddha Memorial Center. In the future, passengers will be able to take the TRA to Jiucuotang Station and then transfer to the MRT system, traveling along Provincial Highway 29 to the Buddha Memorial Center, Dashu, and Qishan living areas, thereby improving the current road transport-dominated service system.

The MRT Bureau stated that future network plans will also evaluate extending the Purple Line eastward along Provincial Highways 22 and 29 to connect the Buddha Memorial Center and surrounding areas, further linking with northern Kaohsiung's industrial clusters. This would form a complete rail transit corridor between the metropolitan area and eastern Kaohsiung, strengthening transportation links between Qishan, Meinong, Dashu, and the Kaohsiung city core.

MRT Bureau Director Wu Jiachang stated that with the continued development of the Southern Semiconductor S-Corridor and the "Great Southern New Silicon Valley Promotion Plan," Kaohsiung's industrial layout is gradually expanding. Eastern Kaohsiung not only possesses international-level tourism resources like the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center but also plays a crucial role in balanced regional development. Extending the MRT network eastward is expected to meet diverse transportation needs.

The MRT Bureau emphasized that MRT construction is a long-term infrastructure project. It will be steadily promoted based on transportation demand, regional development, financial feasibility, and central government review procedures. Areas like Dashu and Qishan will be gradually connected through the Purple Line extension and overall network planning, aiming to perfect Kaohsiung's public transportation system and extend MRT services from the city core to eastern Kaohsiung. (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150605