Page 132 - 捷運技術 第60期

Journal of Rapid Transit System and Technology No.60
pp. 121-154, 2025 DOI 10.29670/JRTST.202510_(60).0007

Received June 03, 2025, accepted July 04, 2025, date of publication October 31, 2025

How the Capital Circular Line

Transforms Transportation and Urban

Environment in Northern Taiwan Again

YAIHUI WU , WANLUN HUANG , CHIAJU LIN , YENLIN FU 4
3
2
1
1 CECI Engineering Consultants,Inc.,Taiwan
2 WINCHAIN Consultants CO.,LTD.
3 WINCHAIN Consultants CO.,LTD.
4 Department of rapid transit systems, Taipei city government
Corresponding author: YAIHUI WU, E-mail: yhwu@ceci.com.tw

ABSTRACT

Since its opening in 1996, the Taipei Metro network has gradually expanded,
forming a diverse system that covers major areas of Taipei City and New Taipei
City. By 2024, the average daily ridership of the metro reached nearly 2.1 million
passengers, increasing the public transportation market share from approximately
17% to 30%, leading the development of public transportation in the capital region.
However, the grid-like network in the city center and the radial network in the
outskirts require passengers traveling from the outskirts to transfer in the city
center, causing congestion during peak hours on certain routes from the outskirts to
the city center. This not only lowers the service level but also leads to unpleasant
incidents due to overcrowding. Therefore, the Taipei Metro Engineering Bureau
planned the metro Circular Line to alleviate the excessive concentration of trips in
the city center.
The Circular Line is divided into three phases: the first phase has already been
opened, the southern and northern sections are under construction, and the eastern
section is about to start construction. The Circular Line connects multiple important
industrial and residential areas in Taipei and New Taipei City, along with emerging
industries and commercial centers. By learning from the successful experience of
Japan's JR Yamanote Line, the Circular Line aims to enhance the accessibility of
urban areas, promote urban renewal and economic prosperity along the route, and
improve the overall efficiency of the metro network.

Keywords: Circular Line, Public transport modal share, TOD development.