[Kaohsiung News] Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai presided over a municipal administrative meeting on the 28, during which the Mass Rapid Transit Bureau delivered a special report on MRT development and joint development outcomes. Since taking office, Mayor Chen has actively promoted the “four lines advancing in parallel” strategy, encompassing the Circular Light Rail, the MRT Yellow Line, the Gangshan–Lujhu Extension Line, and the Siaogang–Linyuan Extension Line. The initiative has secured approval for 37 stations spanning 46.12 kilometers, with a total planned investment of NT$395.4 billion.
According to the Bureau, the Circular Light Rail was fully opened on January 1, 2024, completing the loop. Phase 1 of the Gangshan–Lujhu Extension Line commenced operations in June 2024, while Phase 2 remains under construction. The Yellow Line is currently in detailed design and construction, and the Siaogang–Linyuan Line is underway for Phase 1, with Phase 2 scheduled to begin construction in August. The overall rail network is rapidly taking shape.
Mayor Chen instructed the Bureau to continue strict oversight of project timelines, ensuring construction quality and workplace safety while minimizing traffic disruptions. He also called for accelerated coordination between subsequent tendering and construction phases. In response to increasing ridership on the Circular Light Rail, he emphasized the need for procurement of additional rolling stock and optimized service scheduling to reduce headways and enhance overall service quality and transport efficiency.
Regarding joint development, 10 projects have been signed since 2020, with two additional projects expected to be completed this year. Upon completion of all 12 projects, they are expected to enhance services such as childcare, long-term care, and community support. Meanwhile, nine additional projects are currently in the investment solicitation phase. By 2030, total development revenue is projected to reach approximately NT$92 billion, providing substantial support for the non-self-liquidating portion of rail infrastructure funding. Chen further directed the MRT Bureau to strengthen investment attraction efforts, integrate public welfare facilities with urban development, and expand MRT ridership and overall benefits, thereby fulfilling the goal of leveraging transportation infrastructure to drive city development.
In addition, Chen issued several directives during the meeting. As temperatures rise, relevant authorities were instructed to enhance safety patrol mechanisms for water recreation areas and strengthen drowning prevention campaigns. With enterovirus season approaching and outpatient visits showing an upward trend, the Department of Health and Education Bureau were asked to reinforce sanitation and hygiene practices in schools and kindergartens, including proper handwashing.
In preparation for the upcoming flood season, the Water Resources Bureau and Environmental Protection Bureau were instructed to intensify sewer and drainage clearing operations and communicate progress to the public. Following recent intermittent rainfall, relevant agencies were also directed to strengthen environmental maintenance in markets, vacant lots and buildings, construction sites, parks, and schools to prevent mosquito breeding.
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Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai presided over the municipal administrative meeting on the 28th, where the MRT Bureau presented a special report on MRT development and joint development outcomes. Since taking office, Mayor Chen Chi-mai has actively advanced the “four lines advancing in parallel” strategy, successfully securing approval for 37 stations, 46.12 kilometers of network expansion, and a total planned investment of NT$395.4 billion.