Subway map of Taipei

The Taipei subway, officially known as 臺北捷運 (Táiběi Jiéyùn), is the rapid transportation system serving Taipei and New Taipei, in Taiwan.

This system began operating on 28 March 1996, becoming the first metro in the country. The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation manage the subway, which has 131 stations spread over six main lines and two branches, covering a total of 152.9 kilometres (95 miles).

subway map

Below is the map of the Taipei metro:

Taipei subway schedules

• Weekdays and Saturdays: 6:00h a 0:00h
• Sundays and holidays: 6:00h a 0:00h

Frequency: In between 1.5 y 15 minutes depending on the line and time of day

Rates

Taipei Subway offers a variety of ticket and pass options to meet the needs of its passengers. Below is a table with the main prices in Taiwanese dollars (TWD) and its equivalent in US dollars (USD):

Special Cards

• EasyCard: This smart card is the most convenient option for residents and visitors. Allows unlimited rides on the MRT and local buses, as well as discounts on certain services. The card can be recharged and reused.
• Tourist Passes: The Taipei Subway offers special passes for tourists that allow unlimited travel for one, two or three consecutive days. These passes are ideal for those who plan to explore the city intensively during their visit.

Official Web site

• Official site of Taipei metro.
• List of shows and attractions in Taipei.

History of the subway

The Taipei subway, had his first steps in 1968 when Taiwan's Minister of Transportation and Communications announced the intention to build a rapid transportation system. However, It was not until 1986 That officials approved the plan due to discussions about system capacity and financial concerns.

Construction and Initial Opening

In 1986, the initial network design was approved, and in 1988 construction started. The 28 March 1996, the first line was inaugurated, the Wenhu Line (Brown Line), that went from Taipei Zoo until Zhongshan Junior High School. This event marked the official beginning of the first subway system in Taiwan..

Important Expansions

In 1997, The line was inaugurated Tamsui-Xinyi (Red Line), connecting Tamsui with Taipei main station. In 1998, la Línea Zhonghe-Xinlu (Orange Line) opened its initial segment between Taipei Main Station and Nanshijiao. Those in charge expanded this line later in 2010 y 2012 to include routes to Luzhou and Huilong.

Builders began work on the Line Bannan (Blue Line) in 1990 and they inaugurated it in 1999. This underground section of 8 km connects central Taipei with Wanhua District. The following expansions in 2000 y 2015 They extended the line to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center y Dingpu.

Recent Phases and Developments

In between 2009 y 2014, the system underwent several key expansions. In 2009, Neihu segment of Wenhu Line completed. In 2013, Xinyi segment of Tamsui-Xinyi Line opened, and in 2014, la Línea Songshan-Xindian (Green Line) expanded to include the Songshan section.

Builders began construction of the Circular Line (Yellow Line), a medium capacity and fully automated line, in 2011 and inaugurated the first phase in January 2020 This line is crucial for connecting different parts of New Taipei and continues to expand..

Companies and Technology

Taipei Metro lines have been built by several international companies. Hitachi Rail Italy (of Italy) provided driverless trains for the Circle Line. Japanese companies, South Korean and German companies have also supplied trains and technologies for other lines of the system..

History of the Taipei subway map

The planning team of the Taipei Rapid Transportation Systems Department, known as DORTS, designed the first version of the map internally.

Besides, collaborated with international transportation consultants to enrich the project.

Initial Stages and First Designs

In the decade of 1990, The first maps were quite simple and focused on showing the initial lines and main stations. Local engineers and urban planning teams supervised the design and worked together with international consultancies such as British Mass Transit Consultants y American Taipei Transit Council.

Modernization and Expansion

As the subway system grew, so did the complexity of the map. In 2009, Taiwanese companies and transportation design experts from Japan collaborated to update the map design, adding more details and improving readability. They contributed their experience in creating intuitive and easy-to-use metro maps.

Incorporation of Technology and Automation

In 2016, The Taipei metro map was redesigned again to integrate new technologies, including signaling systems and real-time updates. The Taiwanese company that led this effort was Taiwan Engineering Consultants, Inc., together with Siemens and Hitachi Rail STS, who provided the automation and signaling technology.

Current Design

The current subway map, optimized in 2019, is the result of a joint effort between the in-house design team of Metro Taipei and Centroute Map Company.

Additional data

The Taipei metro is renowned for its efficiency and cleanliness. Besides, many stations are decorated with local art, providing a cultural experience to passengers.

For example, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall station hosts exhibits related to Taiwanese history.

during peak hours, transfer stations such as Taipei Main Station, Zhongxiao Fuxing y Minquan West Road They are usually very busy.

Taipei's most important tourist attractions are accessible by subway, These are the best places and their metro station:

1. Taipei 101 (Taipei 101/World Trade Center, Red line): This iconic skyscraper offers stunning views of the city from its observatory.
2. Chiang Kai-shek Commemorative Hall (Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Green Line): A historical monument dedicated to the military and political leader.
3. National Palace Museum (Shilin, Red line): Houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts.
4. Shilin Night Market (Jiantan, Red line): Famous for its street food and vibrant atmosphere at night.
5. Templo Longshan (Longshan Temple, Blue line): A historic Buddhist and Taoist temple, popular with tourists and locals.
6. Parque Nacional Yangmingshan (Jiannan Road, brown line): Known for its hot springs, trails and natural landscapes.
7. Aquarium of Taipei (Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Blue line): A family attraction with a wide variety of marine life.
8. Barrio de Ximending (Ximen, Blue line): A shopping and entertainment area popular with young people, famous for its nightlife.