🚇 New Era for Public Transport: Inside New Taipei’s Upcoming Driverless Metro Line
The Sanying Line — officially named the Light Blue Line — is on track to become a transformative infrastructure project in New Taipei City, with driverless operation trials now in a critical simulation phase. According to Mayor Hou Yu-ih, the 14.29-km medium-capacity line is 85.51% completed, with full commercial service slated for 2026, while construction is expected to wrap by the end of 2025.
The automated system, connecting Dingpu Station on the Taipei Metro Blue Line to Yingge, will drastically reduce commute time for residents in Sanxia, Tucheng, and Yingge, cutting up to 20 minutes off travel into Taipei. This new addition represents not just another metro route but a vision for integrated, sustainable, and smart urban transit.
🔍 Original Insights & Analysis
1. Strategic Urban Planning Boost
The Light Blue Line isn’t just about mobility — it’s a strategic urban development catalyst. Connecting outer districts like Sanxia and Yingge more directly to Taipei’s core could:
- Elevate real estate values
- Increase employment mobility
- Encourage population decentralization from Taipei City
This is particularly important as Taiwan faces housing affordability concerns in core areas and an aging population in peripheral zones.
2. Driverless Tech: A Test of Reliability
Following in the footsteps of Taipei’s Wenhu Line and the Circular Line, the Sanying Line adopts fully automated driverless train systems, part of a broader shift towards AI-integrated transit operations. Simulations are currently active between Hengxi (LB04) and Yingge (LB08) stations, with full-line testing planned for October 2025.
This system reduces human error, boosts frequency, and enables precise scheduling, but also poses challenges in cybersecurity, emergency protocols, and public adaptation.
3. Public Concerns & Environmental Noise
Despite the excitement, some local voices raise concerns. Councilor Cho Kuan-ting (Yingge District) highlighted excessive train noise on turns along the elevated line, urging authorities to install additional sound barriers. This reflects the delicate balance urban projects must strike between innovation and livability standards.
🏥 Health Sector Benefits
Councilor Chiang I-chen (Tucheng District) emphasized the new line’s importance in supporting public health infrastructure, particularly for En Chu Kong Hospital in Sanxia, which has faced staffing recruitment challenges. Faster access could make the area more attractive to healthcare professionals commuting from Taipei and Taoyuan.
🔧 Extension Plans: Toward Greater Interconnectivity
The city also revealed plans to extend the line from Yingge into Bade (Taoyuan), where it would intersect with the Taoyuan Metro Green Line, currently under construction. This would be a major inter-city linkage, supporting the broader goal of a Greater Taipei–Taoyuan transit grid, encouraging cross-district collaboration.
📅 Timeline Overview
| Milestone | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Driverless Simulation Testing | April–September 2025 |
| Full System-Wide Testing | October 2025 |
| Construction Completion | End of 2025 |
| Passenger Service Launch | Early 2026 |
📸 Quick Facts
- Stations: 12
- Length: 14.29 km
- Operator: New Taipei City Government (independent of Taipei Metro)
- Connection: Taipei Blue Line (Dingpu) and planned Taoyuan Metro Green Line
- Technology: Driverless automation, elevated tracks
❓ FAQs
What is the Sanying Line in New Taipei?
The Sanying Line, also called the Light Blue Line, is a new metro line connecting Sanxia, Tucheng, and Yingge to the Taipei Metro system. It features fully driverless train operations.
When will the Sanying Line open to the public?
Full passenger services are expected to launch in early 2026, with testing continuing through 2025.
Is the Sanying Line driverless?
Yes, it will use automated, driverless train systems similar to the Wenhu Line and Circular Line in Taipei.
What are the concerns raised by locals?
Residents and councilors have cited noise concerns from elevated sections of the track and are requesting more noise-reduction barriers.
Who operates the Sanying Line?
This is the first metro line independently developed and operated by the New Taipei City Government, marking a significant milestone in local transit autonomy.
