Report on Taipei Metro Expansion: Advancing Sustainable Urban Mobility Aligned with SDGs

Introduction

Taipei is undergoing a transformative expansion of its metro network, adding fifty-seven kilometers of new rail lines integrated with smart AI technologies and cultural enhancements. This development aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting sustainable urban mobility, reducing congestion, and enriching community life.

Recent Additions to Taipei’s Metro System

New Taipei City has recently introduced three metro lines:

1. Danhai Light Rail
2. Ankeng Light Rail
3. Circular Line

These lines cover 26 kilometers with 26 stations, enhancing transit options for residents and visitors. Furthermore, seven additional lines are under construction, spanning 57 kilometers and 51 stations, marking the largest metro expansion in Taiwan’s history.

This expansion supports SDG 11 by improving public transport infrastructure, thereby reducing reliance on private vehicles and lowering urban congestion and pollution. Since the metro’s initial phase, ridership has increased by 830%, demonstrating the system’s critical role in sustainable urban transport.

Technological Innovations Enhancing Metro Efficiency

The metro expansion incorporates advanced technologies to optimize operations and passenger experience, contributing to SDG 9 and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):

• Increased Manual Switch Speed: On the Danhai Light Rail, switch speeds increased from 10 km/h to 60 km/h, reducing delays and improving efficiency.
• AI-Powered Smart Elevators: Tested on Danhai and Ankeng lines to reduce waiting times and improve passenger flow; expected public deployment by October.
• AI-Controlled Signal System: Implemented on the Ankeng Light Rail to reduce train halts by 90%, enhancing travel times and service smoothness.

These innovations promote sustainable infrastructure development and efficient resource use, directly supporting SDG 9 and SDG 13 by reducing energy consumption and emissions.

Community and Cultural Integration

The metro expansion integrates cultural and community elements, fostering social inclusion and sustainable urban development (SDG 11 and SDG 4 – Quality Education):

• Shuangcheng Station: Designed as a multifunctional space combining transit with educational and recreational facilities.
• Public Art Installations: Incorporated along the Circular Line to enhance urban aesthetics and reflect Taipei’s cultural heritage, turning metro stations into public art galleries.

These initiatives contribute to creating inclusive, safe, and resilient cities by enriching community engagement and cultural identity.

Progress in Second Phase Metro Expansion

Significant advancements include:

• Sanying Line: Currently in testing, scheduled to open in 2026.
• Wanda-Zhonghe Line: Tunnel boring completed; transfer corridor to Circular Line expected by 2027.
• Tucheng-Shulin Line: Progressing on schedule under city control.
• First Underground Depot: Constructed beneath a park as part of the Circular Line, demonstrating integration of urban development with environmental sustainability (SDG 15 – Life on Land).
• Xidong Line: Groundbreaking completed; designed with smart systems and increased seating capacity.
• Keelung MRT: In planning stage with elevated segments pending cost approvals.

Future Expansion Plans: Phase 3

Phase 3 aims to further enhance Taipei’s metro network with:

• Construction of eight new lines, including the Wutai Light Rail.
• Extensions to the Minsheng Line in Taipei and the Bade District in Taoyuan.
• Feasibility studies underway for Shenkeng, Bali, Taiban, and Guangfu lines.
• Expected government approval for the Linkou Light Rail.

This phase will add 39 kilometers and 42 stations, increasing interchange stations to 33, thereby improving regional connectivity and supporting sustainable urban growth (SDG 11).

Conclusion

Taipei’s metro expansion represents a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban mobility, integrating advanced technology, cultural enrichment, and environmental considerations. The project supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals by:

• Enhancing infrastructure and innovation (SDG 9).
• Promoting sustainable cities and communities through improved public transit and cultural integration (SDG 11).
• Reducing environmental impact and fostering climate action (SDG 13).
• Encouraging quality education and community engagement (SDG 4).

As Taipei continues to expand its metro network, it sets a global example for sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban transportation systems.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses the expansion of Taipei’s metro system with new rail lines and integration of AI technology, reflecting advancements in infrastructure and innovation.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The metro expansion aims to improve urban mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance community and cultural integration, contributing to sustainable urban development.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • By promoting efficient public transit and reducing reliance on road-based transportation, the project supports climate action through reduced emissions and sustainable transport solutions.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The expansion and technological innovations in the metro system can stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities in construction, technology, and operations.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including the integration of AI and smart systems in metro operations.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transit options.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage, as reflected in cultural enhancements and public art installations in metro stations.
3. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning, implied by the metro’s role in reducing congestion and emissions.
4. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Metro Ridership Increase
   • The article mentions an 830% increase in metro ridership since the initial phase, which can be used as an indicator of improved access and usage of sustainable transport (related to SDG 11.2).
2. Length of Metro Lines and Number of Stations
   • Expansion metrics such as 57 kilometers of new lines and 51 stations, as well as future additions, serve as indicators of infrastructure development (SDG 9.1).
3. Technological Efficiency Improvements
   • Indicators such as the increase in manual switch speed from 10 km/h to 60 km/h and a 90% reduction in train halts due to AI-controlled signals measure operational efficiency and innovation (SDG 9.5).
4. Community and Cultural Integration
   • Presence of community centers and public art installations at metro stations can be qualitative indicators of cultural and social sustainability (SDG 11.4).
5. Environmental Sustainability
   • Implied indicators include reduced congestion and potential reduction in emissions due to increased public transit use (SDG 13.2), though specific emission data is not provided.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com