Taipei MRT's Xinyi Line Eastern Extension Fails Inspection; Shen Po-yang Urges Caution Until the End

(Central News Agency reporter Liu Chien-pang, Taipei, 13th) The Xinyi Line Eastern Extension of Taipei Metro was rejected by the Ministry of Transportation during its final inspection application. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang stated today that municipal governance should be handled with "caution until the end," criticizing the authorities for placing public relations ahead of safety. He added that focusing solely on abolishing the Control Yuan indicates a lack of genuine concern for Taipei City.

Shen Po-yang, along with DPP Taipei City Councilors Hsu Shu-hua, Hung Chien-i, Chang Wen-chieh, and council candidate Kuo Fan, visited the construction site of the Xinyi Line Eastern Extension this morning to assess the situation and spoke to the press before a joint interview. Shen made the above remarks during the briefing.

Reviewing the issue, the Xinyi Line Eastern Extension aimed to open by the end of June. On the 10th, Taipei City's Department of Transportation submitted an application for final inspection to the Ministry of Transportation, but it was rejected due to the lack of fire safety approval documents. On the 11th, Taipei City's Department of Rapid Transit Systems stated that improvements are being made based on fire inspection results and affirmed that all requirements will be completed before opening, in accordance with the preliminary inspection conclusions.

Speaking outside the construction site this morning, Shen Po-yang said residents and local businesses near the area, including religious centers and hiking trails, are eagerly anticipating the MRT's opening. However, he emphasized that municipal affairs should be handled with "caution until the end, then there will be no failure," meaning outcomes should be treated with the same care and thoroughness as the beginning.

Shen pointed out that Councilor Hung Chien-i previously raised 12 public complaints regarding this section during a council session, but official records later showed zero cases. Regarding safety and fire protection, current inspection guidelines require fire safety certification before the process can proceed.

He warned that skipping this step and attempting to manage issues through timing differences clearly places public relations ahead of safety, which citizens do not welcome. If problems arise later, the entire process may need to restart, causing even greater impact on nearby businesses.

Shen stressed that even if there is pressure to accelerate opening or achieve political achievements, safety must not be compromised, and documentation must never be falsified. He believes the most important aspects for this MRT segment are improving sidewalks and integrating with nearby shops.

When asked about Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's recent calls to abolish the Control Yuan and his numerous campaign support appearances, Shen said he manages his own schedule and prepares his own statements, unlike others whose speeches appear to be scripted.

Shen noted that abolishing the Control Yuan requires constitutional amendments. The Legislative Yuan established a constitutional amendment committee in the previous session, but the Kuomintang refused to participate. This double standard, he said, undermines democratic processes.

He added that Chiang Wan-an's proposal to freeze the Control Yuan violates Judicial Yuan Interpretation No. 632, and as a legal professional, Chiang should be aware of this. He questioned why Chiang isn't focusing on more pressing issues like the national budget or military procurement. "When I raise discussions on municipal issues, why doesn't he respond?" Shen said, arguing that Chiang's exclusive focus on the Control Yuan issue clearly shows a lack of genuine concern for Taipei.

Shen emphasized that his visit with fellow DPP councilors and candidates was to understand the impact of the eastern extension on citizens and local businesses. They are here to speak for the people and care about Taipei—not to engage in political mudslinging. He urged Mayor Chiang Wan-an to return his focus to municipal governance. (Edited by Chang Ming-kun) 1150613

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