Taipei Metro's Xinyi Line Eastern Extension Fails Inspection; Mayor Chiang: Safety First Before Operation

According to reports from Central News Agency, the eastern extension of Taipei Metro's Xinyi Line was rejected for inspection by the Ministry of Transportation due to the lack of fire safety approval documents. Shen Po-yang, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate for Taipei mayor, criticized the city government for prioritizing public relations over safety. In response, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stressed that the city has followed the preliminary inspection recommendations and will only operate the line after securing all necessary fire safety approvals.

Aiming for a late June opening, the Taipei City Department of Transportation submitted an inspection request to the Ministry on June 10, only to receive a rejection the following day. Shen stated that municipal governance should be carried out with consistent caution, and accused the city government of using timing tactics to manage the situation, placing publicity ahead of safety—a move not welcomed by citizens.

Speaking to reporters before attending the opening ceremony of the Longsheng District Community Center, Mayor Chiang said the Taipei Metro Engineering Bureau had clearly explained the situation. The city applied for the formal inspection in accordance with the preliminary inspection conclusions and schedule, and will ensure all fire safety documents are obtained before operation.

When asked whether the end-of-June opening target would be adjusted, Chiang reiterated that operation would only proceed once all safety regulations are fully met.

On June 11, the Metro Bureau explained that the preliminary inspection concluded that 'fire safety systems must be completed before the formal inspection and official approval documents must be obtained prior to opening.' The city has completed the required improvements based on this decision, confirmed by inspection committee members, and submitted the formal inspection request. It is currently continuing improvements based on fire inspection feedback.

Additionally, Mayor Chiang recently advocated for a constitutional amendment to abolish the Control Yuan. He reaffirmed today that even if the Kuomintang regains power in 2028, he will not change his stance on abolishing the Control Yuan. (Edited by Lung Po-an)