Taoyuan Airport MRT
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox rail line Template:Infobox Chinese
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), commonly known as the Airport MRT, is a rapid transit line of the Taoyuan Metro that connects Taipei, Taoyuan and New Taipei with Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan. The Template:Convert line has 22 stations, from Taipei Main Station to Template:Stl, and began commercial service on 2 March 2017.
Commuter and Express services operate on the line, which features in-town check-in and baggage check at Taipei Main Station<ref name=ops>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and at Template:Stl.<ref name=A3ITCI>Template:Cite news</ref>
An extension to Zhongli railway station via Template:Stl from the current terminus at Template:Stl is under construction. The Laojie River metro station opened in July 2023 and the full extension is scheduled for completion in 2028.<ref name=extension>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Route
The Taoyuan Airport MRT route starts from Taipei Main Station and heads west, passing through Sanchong, Taishan, Xinzhuang, Guishan, Linkou, and Luzhu before reaching Taoyuan International Airport, after which the route turns south to Taoyuan HSR station before terminating at Template:Stl in Zhongli.<ref name="overview" /> The route is currently Template:Convert long<ref name=fr2011>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> with 21 total stations,<ref name=ops /> of which 6 are underground and 15 are elevated;<ref name=FAQ6>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref group=note>The cited source mentions 7 underground and 15 elevated stations, but includes a not-yet-opened station (Airport Terminal 3) in the underground station count.</ref> approximately Template:Convert of the line is underground while the remaining Template:Convert is elevated.<ref name=fr2011 /> There are two maintenance depots along the line: Qingpu Depot (near Template:Stl) and Luzhu Depot (near Template:Stl).<ref name=fr2011 />
Operations
Template:Taoyuan Airport MRT line mapTwo types of services are offered: Commuter and Express. Commuter Trains have a blue livery and stop at all stations, while Express Trains have a purple livery and focus on serving passengers using Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), stopping at just two stations between Taipei Main Station and the airport.<ref name="overview" /> Express Trains reach TPE from Taipei Main Station in 35 to 37 minutes depending on the terminal, with a 15-minute headway at all times.<ref name=timetable>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> While nearly all Express Train services only run between Taipei Main Station and TPE, a few services<ref group=note>Express bound for Huanbei Service July 2020 schedule: From Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 1 journey only: Weekday, 0606, From Taipei, 5-6 daily services: Weekday, 0700, 0800, 1600, 1700, 1800; Weekend, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800. From Huanbei, 6 daily services: Weekday, 0729, 0814, 0914, 1714, 1814, 1914; Weekend, 1414, 1514, 1614, 1714, 1814, 1914.</ref> during weekday rush hours and weekend afternoons run to Huanbei with only one additional stop at Taoyuan HSR station, with an end-to-end travel time of 64 minutes. Commuter Trains have a 15-minute headway at all times and serve the full route to Laojie River in 82 minutes.<ref name=timetable />
Express Trains have transverse row seating with underseat storage for luggage as well as three luggage racks per car; Commuter Trains have longitudinal seating without underseat storage and only have two luggage racks per car.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both services feature free wi-fi<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> as well as flight information display systems showing status of departing flights at TPE, although there are more displays on Express Trains.<ref name=fr2011/> Express Trains also offer wireless charging stations.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In-town check-in
In-town check-in and baggage check services are available at Taipei Main Station<ref name=ops /> and Template:Stl.<ref name=A3ITCI/> Baggage handling equipment is installed, including check-in counters, conveyor belts, container handling equipment, container elevators, and control systems.<ref name="projover">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Baggage is transported from the check-in counter into containers, which are loaded onto Express Trains. Checked baggage is delivered to Terminal Two, where it is scanned and directed to the appropriate airline.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Flight information
Flight information display systems, which also carry information on TRA and THSR services from transfer stations, are installed at all stations served by Express Trains from Taipei Main Station to TPE, as well as at Taoyuan HSR station.<ref name="construction" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Fares
Fares on the Taoyuan Airport MRT are based on distance traveled and there is no fare difference between Commuter and Express services.<ref name=fare>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Published one-way fares range from NT$30 to NT$160, with fares from Taipei Main Station to TPE priced at NT$160 and fares from Taoyuan HSR station to TPE priced at NT$30.<ref name=fare/> Since October 2018, a NT$10 promotional discount on all published one-way fares has been applied due to the operational profitability of the line since service began.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
30, 60, 90, and 120-day periodic tickets allowing unlimited rides on the Taoyuan Airport MRT within specified station pairs are available, priced at a 30, 35, 40, or 50% discount, respectively,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> on the price of 21 published round-trip fares between the specified station pairs per 30-day period (21 being the approximate average number of weekdays per month).<ref name=fare />
Trips between airport stations, and between the airport stations and the airport hotel station, are free when using an IC card at the automatic gates.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Rolling stock
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Passenger electric multiple units
Kawasaki manufactured all Express trains and seven Commuter train sets in Japan, while Taiwan Rolling Stock Company (TRSC) manufactured the remaining Commuter train sets.<ref name="tracktest">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The car body is constructed from stainless steel<ref name="projover" /> and each car is supplied with 750 V DC electricity from a third rail,<ref name="projover" /> powered by IGBT–VVVF inverters and conventional 3-phase AC induction motors provided by Mitsubishi Electric, and controlled with Siemens Mobility's Trainguard MT communications-based train control (CBTC) system,<ref name="cbtc"/> which has subsystems of automatic train control (ATC), automatic train operation (ATO) and automatic train protection (ATP).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Of the 41 train sets, 18 are Express trains while 23 are Commuter trains.<ref name="trainsets">Template:Cite news</ref> Four-car configurations are used for Commuter Trains, while Express Trains have five-car configurations due to an extra baggage car.<ref name="e&m" /> Commuter Train cars have 50 longitudinal seats with two wheelchair areas and two luggage racks. Express Train cars are equipped with 54 seats with one wheelchair area and three luggage racks.<ref name="e&m" /> Each train car has three doors per side except for baggage cars which have five doors per side; baggage cars have an onboard baggage handling system including control equipment.<ref name="e&m" />
Fleet roster
All trains have open-gangway connections.
| Class | Image | Year built | Builder | Capacity | Routes operated | Formation | Top speed (km/h) | Fleet total | Set numbers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Service | |||||||||
| 1000 | 
|
2011– | Kawasaki TRSCTemplate:Efn |
1116 | Commuter | 4-car sets DM1-M1-M2-DM2 |
110 | 100 | 23Template:Efn | 1001~1023Template:Efn |
| 2000 | 
|
Kawasaki | 855 | Express | 5-car sets DM1-M1-M2-M3-DM2 |
18Template:Efn | 2001~2018Template:Efn | |||
Engineering trains
Taoyuan Metro uses a specialized fleet of engineering trains supplied by Hokuriku Heavy Industries for maintenance of way. Some of these trains include rail crane wagons,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> rail inspection vehicles,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and 60-ton rescue locomotives.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In April 2017, Taoyuan Metro borrowed an ultrasonic flaw detection vehicle from Taipei Metro to conduct comprehensive inspections on its rail tracks after a crack was discovered on a track point at the emergency halt between Template:STN and Template:STN. At that time, Taoyuan Metro only had a hand-pushed ultrasonic inspection device for such purposes.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
History
A rail system to connect Taoyuan International Airport with existing transportation hubs was proposed as early as the 1980s<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and reemphasized over the years in government proclamations such as the New Ten Major Construction Projects.
The metro route was originally planned to be constructed as a BOT project; in 1998, the project was auctioned to Evertransit International Development Corp. ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}), a subsidiary of Ever Fortune Industrial Co. ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}). However, the company failed to begin the construction, and in 2003, the government cancelled the contract.<ref name="overview">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After the BOT project failed to go through, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) decided to build the line directly from the government budget.
MOTC originally planned for the line to be transferred to the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) to operate; President Ma Ying-jeou had also proposed the Bureau of High Speed Rail (BOHSR)<ref group="note">BOHSR later merged into the MOTC Railway Bureau.</ref> to operate the line with the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) and the TRA. Later, the TRA announced they would not be able to operate the line so the MOTC asked TRTC to operate the line or have the Taoyuan City Government create the Taoyuan Rapid Transit Corporation to operate the line.
Taipei terminus change and design
The terminus in Taipei was originally planned for Template:Stl but was changed to Taipei Main Station to facilitate transfers to TRA, THSR, and Taipei Metro, as well as other transportation modes<ref name=dorts200509>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> including bus services at the adjacent Taipei Bus Station. However, there were disagreements between MOTC and the Taipei City Government over the precise location of the station platform within the Taipei Main Station area; MOTC preferred an elevated platform just north of Taipei Main Station while the city wanted an underground platform just west of the main station, across Chengde Road. The MOTC's elevated platform proposal was less expensive and faster to construct, but the city objected as the platform and track would have obstructed the scenery of the surrounding area. The two sides eventually compromised, agreeing to the underground platform proposal but with the Taipei City Government covering the additional cost. The revised project was approved in September 2004.<ref name="overview" />
The Taipei Main Station terminus of the Taoyuan Airport MRT was built under the future Taipei Towers development<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and was designed by architect Fumihiko Maki.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The station itself extends five stories underground.<ref name="maki" /> The diaphragm wall is Template:Convert deep and excavation depth was around Template:Convert. Four underground levels were constructed: three for the terminus of the station and one for a parking lot.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> China Engineering Consultants, Inc. (CECI) won the contract for construction of the Taipei City section of the Taoyuan Airport MRT, including construction of the station and platform at the Taipei terminus, through public appraisal on 8 July 2005.<ref name=dorts200509 /> Redevelopment of the Template:Convert area will consist of retail, office, and hotel components.<ref name="maki">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Construction and development
The BOHSR of the MOTC oversaw construction,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref> which began in 2006 and was scheduled for completion in 2013 but was plagued by multiple delays.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The entire system was budgeted at NT$113.85 billion.<ref name="focustw">Template:Cite news</ref>
Land acquisition for the Sanchong City section totaled Template:Convert and cost NT$1.4 billion, including land and buildings.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In addition to tracks and stations, joint development projects have been constructed to boost development around stations. A special industrial zone was planned around the THSR Taoyuan Station area.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In April 2011, Kingdom Construction Corp. signed a contract to construct a 16-story residential and commercial building near Linkou Station.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Civil engineering
The design of core E&M systems (including rolling stock, power supply, signaling, communications, depot equipment, platform screen doors, etc.) and the design and construction of two depots (Qingpu and Luzhu) were awarded as part of a contract worth NT$25.5 billion.<ref name="construction" /> Hitachi, in cooperation with Marubeni Corporation<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, won the bid for the E&M systems and signed the contract on 12 January 2006.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The groundbreaking ceremony for the power supply system was held on 1 October 2010 on behalf of five contractor companies including Hitachi.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Motorola supplied the digital radio communications system for the line.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The power supply for the system is drawn from two Taiwan Power Company 161 kV supplies at three Bulk Supply Substations (BSS); one incoming line serves as the main power supply while the other serves a backup.<ref name="e&m">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> One substation (A8) is located between Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Linkou. The main RC structure was completed in March 2011, while civil engineering was finished at the end of October.<ref name="hsr185">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The automatic fare collection system contract was awarded to Mercuries Data Systems (MDS) on 22 October 2010 for NT$355 million.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Platform screen doors are installed at all underground stations, while elevated stations are equipped with automatic platform gates.<ref name="e&m" />
Track
A large portion (78.6%) of the route length is constructed on Template:Convert-wide viaducts, which is used in both dense urban districts as well as rural areas with steep slopes.<ref name="overview" /> The route features both single-tracked and double-tracked viaducts;<ref name="overview" /> single-tracked viaducts were constructed with a standard span of Template:Convert with mobile cranes while double-tracked viaducts were constructed using an advanced shoring technique for either Template:Convert or Template:Convert spans. A Template:Convert noise barrier wall is used on all viaducts, and floating track beds are used for environmentally-sensitive zones. During construction, some residents in Xinzhuang expressed concern over the 7 to 9-story high elevated track and its stability during potential earthquakes.<ref name="9story">Template:Cite news</ref> The Bureau of High Speed Rail responded that due to a base that penetrates Template:Convert into the ground, the tracks could withstand earthquake shake intensity over 5 without a problem.<ref name="9story" /> By July 2011, the last of the line's elevated support pillars were erected and by August 2011, construction of the elevated viaducts were completed.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
RAIL.ONE Group provided the ballastless track system for the line. 150,000 modified bi-block type B 355 ties were delivered for the line. The first set arrived between July and December 2010, while the last set began production in March 2011.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
A section crossing over National Highway No. 1 employs a V-shaped support system (instead of the usual vertical supports) and began construction in July 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Taoyuan Airport section
The airport section consists of four underground stations (Template:Stl, Template:Stl, Template:Stl, and the future Template:Stl station) and is Template:Convert long.<ref name="construction" /> Both cut-and-cover and shield tunneling were used for tunnel construction.<ref name="overview" /> Since shield tunnels were constructed underneath existing taxiways and the control tower area, an automatic system was integrated to monitor any soil and structure impact in real-time so that immediate response could be taken to any disruption. In the same section, secondary grouting and a micro-pile cut-off wall was used to reinforce the tunnels. In addition, a floating track bed was used for the tracks crossing these areas to reduce vibrations.<ref name="overview" /> Continental Engineering Corporation constructed the underground stations and the tunnels in this section.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Five shield tunneling sections totaling Template:Convert and Template:Convert of cut-and-cover sections were excavated.<ref name="construction">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Arrival areas near the MRT departure areas were constructed.
Tunneling under the Tamsui River
The section passing below Tamsui River (about Template:Convert in length) employed the shield-tunneling method. The double-O-tube (DOT) shield tunnel machine was used for the first time in Taiwan.<ref name="overview" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Template:Convert-long tunnels took 1 year to dig, and were completed in December 2010.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Chingshan Road section
This section was built along a steep roadside slope. Traditional construction methods would greatly increase the difficulty, cost, and excavation area necessary to build an elevated line through the area.<ref name="bamboo" /> In order to reduce environmental impact and cut construction time, a bamboo-cut treatment was used in construction to keep the slope intact.<ref name="overview" /> Top ring girders Template:Convert in diameter were used to gradually excavate the area, after which a Template:Convert diameter foundation can be placed.<ref name="bamboo">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A total of 15 bamboo-cut foundations were constructed, ranging from a height of Template:Convert.<ref name="bamboo" /> By June 2010, the contractor (Fu Tsu Corporation) had completed 13 of the 15 bases, with the additional two under construction.<ref name="bamboo" />
Trial operations
Trial operations between Taipei and Huanbei began on 2 February 2017. 1.4 million passengers used the system during this period, double the expected 700,000 passengers.<ref name="open">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Route extension and future stations
Zhongli railway station extension
In December 2008, the MOTC announced that the system would be extended to Zhongli Sports Park, but was later changed to Zhongli Station in order to facilitate transfers to TRA services.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After the Zhongli Sports Park station was canceled, MOTC changed it to having the Taoyuan Metro Green Line to extend to Zhongli Station via Zhongli Sports Park. The extension also includes one intermediate station, Template:Stl, which opened in July 2023.<ref name=extension /> The full extension to Zhongli Station is scheduled for completion in 2028.<ref name=extension /> A 2011 report by the Council for Economic Planning and Development estimated the total project cost at NT$13.801 billion, including the extension as well as development of the surrounding areas.<ref>「台灣桃園國際機場聯外捷運系統延伸至中壢火車站規劃報告」案 Template:Webarchive</ref>
Erchong station (A2a)
Erchong station is a planned station along the existing Taoyuan Airport MRT line between the Template:Stl and Template:Stl stations, near Erchong Riverside Park.<ref name=A2a-A5a-plan>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> While the Taoyuan Airport MRT was in proposal stages, Sanchong residents living in the Boai New Community requested an additional station be added to the route, at the time presumptively named Boai (station code A2a). In order not to delay opening of the rest of the Taoyuan Airport MRT, space along the line was reserved for future construction of the proposed station. The total cost of the station has been estimated at NT$2.24 billion, with NT$1.94 billion for the station itself and NT$300 million for a necessary extension to the Erchong flood diversion wall, with an estimated completion in 2016.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As of 2020, the planned station is named Erchong and is in the final approval stages with the Taoyuan City Government.<ref name=A2a-A5a-status>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Fu Jen University Hospital station (A5a)
Fu Jen University Hospital station is a planned station along the existing line between the Template:Stl and Template:Stl stations. While the Taoyuan Airport MRT track passes just by Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, the location of the proposed eponymous station is approximately a half-mile from the hospital.<ref name=A2a-A5a-plan /> The station was proposed by MOTC in 2006 following public demands and space along the line was reserved for the station during construction while feasibility studies were conducted; as of 2020, the project is in the final approval stages at the Taoyuan City Government.<ref name=A2a-A5a-status />
This station could also transfer to Wugu–Taishan light rail in the future.
Stations
Several stations were selected for public art installations.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Operation Services
- C - Commuter (All Stop)
- E - Express (Bound for Airport Terminal 2, Stop:A1-A3-A8-A12-A13)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- E# - Extended Express (Bound for Huanbei Station, Stop:A1-A3-A8-A12-A13-A18-A21)
Notices: Template:Notelist
-
A commuter train leaving New Taipei Industrial Park -
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital platform -
Airport Terminal 2 faregates and information booth
Ridership
Table below shows the average daily ridership per month.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref group="note">Ticket price 50% off during first month of operation (March 2017)</ref>
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | － | － | 66,715 | 57,431 | 53,075 | 52,485 | 53,358 | 57,981 | 52,379 | 57,652 | 53,890 | 63,706 | 56,867 |
| 2018 | 57,791 | 60,313 | 60,643 | 60,929 | 58,498 | 61,665 | 62,701 | 67,357 | 64,353 | 65,941 | 67,647 | 75,058 | 63,575 |
| 2019 | 69,360 | 71,525 | 70,824 | 72,810 | 72,080 | 75,929 | 77,830 | 79,805 | 76,235 | 83,208 | 79,969 | 89,204 | 76,565 |
| 2020 | 82,810 | 58,868 | 40,737 | 33,621 | 37,933 | 43,162 | 48,160 | 53,257 | 51,550 | 51,720 | 51,668 | 53,423 | 50,576 |
| 2021 | 46,793 | 41,855 | 49,168 | 50,673 | 27,172 | 14,197 | 18,872 | 29,476 | 33,598 | 42,215 | 46,668 | 51,258 | 37,662 |
| 2022 | 40,012 | 39,098 | 47,692 | 39,609 | 30,877 | 36,888 | 44,951 | 48,921 | 48,863 | 53,097 | 61,492 | 72,154 | 46,971 |
| 2023 | 69,207 | 74,697 | 78,160 | 79,755 | 80,102 | 84,347 | 92,396 | 100,574 | 100,648 | 104,648 | 107,033 | 109,808 | 90,115 |
| 2024 | 107,359 | 107,957 | 113,774 | 109,348 | 111,176 | 112,685 | 108,788 | 117,122 | 115,527 | 113,230 | 125,923 | 130,532 | 114,418 |
| 2025 | 117,976 | 148,634 | 125,347 | 125,655 | 122,382 | 123,543 | 122,431 | 127,509 |
See also
Notes
References
External links
Template:Taoyuan Metro Airport MRT Template:Taoyuan Metro lines navbox Template:Taiwan rapid transit Template:Taoyuan International Airport Template:Authority control