Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) announced that construction of the much-anticipated Taichung Metro Blue Line will begin on June 26, 2025, marking a transformative moment in central Taiwan’s mass transportation development. To celebrate this pivotal event, the Green Line will offer free rides on the day of the groundbreaking.
🚧 The Project at a Glance
- Line Name: Taichung Metro Blue Line
- Start of Construction: June 26, 2025
- Estimated Completion: 2034
- Project Cost: NT$161.51 billion (approx. US$5.17 billion)
- Stations Planned: 20
- Route: From Port of Taichung, moving east through Shalu and Xitun, terminating in central Taichung
- Intersection with Green Line: At Taichung City Hall Station
🔍 Deeper Context: Why the Blue Line Matters
The Blue Line isn’t just another transit expansion—it’s a strategic investment in sustainable urban development and regional economic growth. It will serve several rapidly developing districts in western and central Taichung, including the Port Area, Shalu Science Park, Fengjia Night Market area, and Taichung CBD, providing improved connectivity to key economic and residential zones.
This infrastructure push aligns with Taiwan’s broader vision of balanced development outside of northern Taiwan, where most mass transit systems have historically been concentrated.
🧠 Added Insight: Challenges Ahead
While the Blue Line brings long-term benefits, there are substantial hurdles:
- Complex Construction: The route passes through industrial zones and densely built urban areas, requiring intricate engineering.
- Budget Oversight: At NT$161.5 billion, this will be one of Taichung’s most expensive public works. Transparency and cost control will be vital to avoid overruns.
- Public Feedback: Some communities along the proposed route have raised concerns about noise, land expropriation, and environmental disruption.
City officials have promised open dialogue and environmental assessments to address these issues.
🎉 The Metro Milestone: 50 Millionth Rider Mystery
Amid the Blue Line news, Taichung Metro also revealed it’s in search of its 50 millionth rider, who boarded the Green Line on June 9. The unidentified passenger, who used iPass card number 35000104351, is eligible for a premium reward:
✈️ Two Starlux Business Class Round-Trip Tickets from Taichung to any destination in Asia.
Due to an unregistered card, the passenger’s identity remains unknown, and Taichung MRT is asking commuters to check their cards. It’s a fun and engaging promotion that reflects Taichung’s strategy of building ridership loyalty and public engagement.
📌 What Comes Next?
- Groundbreaking Ceremony: June 26, with free Green Line rides citywide
- Construction Timeline: Spanning nearly a decade due to scale and complexity
- Integration Plans: Potential future connections with Red Line (planned) and Taiwan Railways stations for regional synergy
📘 FAQs
When will the Blue Line be operational?
The Blue Line is projected to open in 2034, assuming no major delays.
How many stations will the Blue Line have?
It will include 20 stations, spanning from Taichung Port to the city center.
How is the Blue Line funded?
The NT$161.5 billion project is co-financed by the central government and Taichung City Government, with expected support from public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Will there be transfer stations?
Yes. The City Hall Station will allow transfers between the Blue and Green Lines.
What is the reward for the 50 millionth Taichung Metro rider?
The rider will receive 2 business-class round-trip tickets via Starlux Airlines from Taichung to any Asian destination.
