NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei Metro Corporation (新北捷運公司) announced Tuesday (July 22) it will reduce the headway on the Circular Line (環狀線) starting Aug. 1 to improve commuting efficiency and service quality. The company plans to shorten peak hour intervals to under five minutes and reduce off-peak intervals by 25%. The enhanced service represents a significant upgrade to Taiwan's medium-capacity transit system serving the greater Taipei metropolitan area. Transit officials expect the improvements will better accommodate growing ridership demands across New Taipei City's expanding urban districts.
The Circular Line's peak hour intervals will be reduced from the original 5 minutes and 30 seconds to 4 minutes and 50 seconds, while off-peak intervals will drop from 10 minutes to 7 minutes and 30 seconds. This change will increase daily capacity by over 17%. New Taipei Metro noted that the average passenger waiting time will decrease from 4 to 30 seconds to 3 to 50 seconds, reducing wait times by 17.4% and alleviating cabin congestion during rush hours.
Weekday train trips will rise from 283 to 329, and weekend trips will increase from 229 to 271, boosting overall capacity by approximately 16.3% to 18.3%. New Taipei Metro will implement a "published timetable" system for medium-capacity transit in a pioneering move, allowing passengers to check train schedules via platform TVs, gate displays, and the company's website. The digital scheduling system marks a first for Taiwan's medium-capacity rail networks, providing commuters with unprecedented access to real-time transit information.
The Ankeng LRT (安坑輕軌) will synchronize its shuttle schedules to connect more efficiently with the Circular Line, shortening transfer wait times. New Taipei Metro stated it will continue to monitor actual ridership and passenger feedback, aiming to provide faster, more stable, and smarter transit services through ongoing adjustments to headways and train arrangements. The integrated approach reflects Taiwan's commitment to creating seamless public transportation networks across the greater Taipei region, enhancing connectivity between different transit modes. ◼
