TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Sanying MRT line in New Taipei started conducting rail tests on Friday (Oct. 11), with footage shared online by New Taipei City Councilor Chiang Yi-chen (江怡臻). 

Plans for the light blue Sanyang MRT line were first put into motion in 2005, reported UDN. After environmental assessment, construction, and several delays, the line is finally undergoing rail tests in preparation for public use sometime in 2025. 

The above ground Sanying line will extend west from Dingpu Station on the blue Bannan MRT line through Sanxia and Yingge districts. There are currently 12 stations on the line, with approximately 77% of construction complete, according to the New Taipei Department of Rapid Transit.  

The track currently covers 14.3 kilometers. Once completed, travelers will also be able to transfer to the Sanying line from Yingge Station on Taiwan Railway Corporation’s Western Trunk line.  

There are plans to extend the line by a further two stations where it will connect to the Taoyuan MRT system at Danan Station in Bade District. The line will employ driverless train cars, similar to Taipei MRT’s brown Wenhu line, with cars manufactured by Hitachi Rail Italy. 

Construction on the Sanying line began in mid-2015, with completion initially slated for 2023. However, over the years, construction has been beset by protests among residents in Sanxia District, allegations of exploited foreign workers, and a tragic accident in 2021 that resulted in the death of three laborers.