New Taipei's Driverless Metro: Sanying Line Gears Up for 2026 Launch

Significant Progress Made on New Taipei's Sanying Line, Set to Transform Commuting and Boost Local Development.

New Taipei City, Taiwan – Testing for the Sanying Line, New Taipei's upcoming driverless metro, has entered a crucial phase, with simulations of driverless operations underway. Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) announced on Monday that the metro line is nearing completion, with an expected launch in 2026.

The Sanying Line, currently 85.51% complete, is undergoing rigorous testing. Mayor Hou, during an inspection of the ongoing tests, rode a train from Sanxia (LB06) to Yingge (LB08), highlighting the project's advancement.

Driverless operation simulations are currently running between Hengxi (LB04) and Yingge (LB08) stations. Citywide testing across all 12 stations is slated to commence in October. The aim is to finish construction by the end of this year, paving the way for the line's opening in 2026, according to the Mayor.

This new line will connect to the Blue Line at Dingpu Station in Tucheng, New Taipei, and is projected to reduce commute times to Taipei by approximately 20 minutes, providing a significant benefit for residents.

City Councilor Chiang I-chen (江怡臻) from Tucheng emphasized the anticipation surrounding the Sanying Line, noting its potential to drive local development and aid in the recruitment of medical staff at En Chu Kong Hospital in Sanxia.

Cho Kuan-ting (卓冠廷), a city councilor from Yingge, raised concerns about noise levels from the trains, advocating for the installation of more noise barriers along the largely elevated line.

Mayor Hou highlighted that the Sanying Line represents the first medium-capacity metro project managed solely by the New Taipei City government. Furthermore, an extension from Yingge to Bade in Taoyuan will connect to the Taoyuan Metro Green Line, furthering regional integration.

The driverless operations of the Sanying Line mirror the existing services of the Wenhu Line (Brown) in Taipei, the Circular Line (Yellow), and the Green Line in Taichung, all projects overseen by the Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems.