New Entrance at New Taipei Metro Circular Line Banqiao Station to Open by 2027

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Hong-guo, New Taipei, June 17) The New Taipei City Government's Department of Rapid Transit Systems today conducted the first lifting of the main steel column for the new entrance project at Banqiao Station on the Circular Line. Completion is scheduled for 2027, significantly reducing transfer times for commuters switching between the High-Speed Rail (HSR), Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), and the Ban Nan Line to the Circular Line.

New Taipei Metro Commissioner Li Zheng-an led the construction team in a blessing ceremony for the new entrance project at Banqiao Station today, followed by the first lifting of the main steel column. This marks a major milestone, officially advancing the project into the main structural construction phase.

Commissioner Li stated that Banqiao Station is a core 'four-rail integrated' transportation hub in New Taipei City, consolidating the New Taipei Circular Line, Ban Nan Line, HSR, TRA, and long-distance bus terminals. The Circular Line currently exceeds 2 million monthly riders. To enhance commuter convenience, the Department is adding a dedicated Circular Line entrance outside the 'East Gate 1' of the TRA and HSR Banqiao Station.

Upon completion, passengers will access the Circular Line platform directly via escalators, barrier-free elevators, and stairs. Ticket vending machines, fare gates, passenger information counters, and commercial spaces will also be installed, making transfer routes more intuitive and faster.

Li emphasized that the new entrance will drastically reduce transfer times: from 12 to 5 minutes when transferring from the Ban Nan Line to the Circular Line, and from 8 to 4 minutes from TRA and HSR to the Circular Line. This improvement is expected to significantly enhance transfer efficiency, benefiting approximately one million passengers monthly. (Edited by Li Heng-shan) 1150617