NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) announced Monday (Nov. 11) that Taipei Metro (台北捷運) aims to complete the first phase of the Wanda Line (萬大線) in 2027. The project seeks to enhance connectivity between Taipei and New Taipei, easing transportation and boosting local industries.
New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) joined Chiang at the unveiling ceremony for the first train of the Wanda–Zhonghe Line (萬大中和線), which drew significant media attention. Chiang stated that the train, shipped from Brazil via Singapore, arrived at Jincheng Depot (金城機廠) after an 18,000-kilometer journey, marking a milestone for the project.
Hou highlighted that once operational in 2027, the line will reduce travel time between Zhonghe High School Station (中和高中站) in New Taipei and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station (中正紀念堂站) in Taipei to just 14 minutes. Plans include connecting the line to the Shulin (樹林) and Huilong (迴龍) MRT lines.
After a French manufacturer presented a train model to the mayors, the train made its official debut. Chiang and Hou toured the train and posed for photos with attendees. Taipei's Department of Rapid Transit Systems (臺北市政府捷運工程局) stated that the Wanda Line spans approximately 22 kilometers and will significantly cut commuting times by intersecting with multiple MRT lines once the first phase opens.
Taipei Metro noted that the Wanda Line features a fully automated, driverless medium-capacity system manufactured by Alstom in Brazil. It has steel wheels and rails and can carry 700 passengers per train.