TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The New Taipei Metro said Tuesday the MRT Yellow Line, also known as the Circular Line, will shorten its peak hour intervals to under five minutes starting on Aug. 1. 

Under the optimized operating model, peak-hour intervals, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, will be reduced from five minutes 30 seconds to four minutes 50 seconds. Off-peak weekday intervals will shorten from 10 minutes to seven minutes 30 seconds, as will weekend intervals.

This adjustment reduces average train intervals by approximately 25%, increasing daily transport capacity by over 17%. Night off-peak intervals will remain at 10 minutes.

Average passenger wait time will decrease from four minutes 30 seconds to three minutes 50 seconds. This will shorten commute times and ease onboard crowding, improving comfort.

Weekday train trips will increase from 283 to 329, a 16.3% rise. Weekend trips will grow from 229 to 271, an 18.3% increase.

A full timetable showing departure times at each station will be available via platform displays, gate monitors, and the website. QR codes on trains and station platforms will provide instant access, though schedules may be adjusted during special conditions such as rain.

New Taipei Metro said the Ankeng Light Rail, which connects to the Yellow at Shisizhang Station, will coordinate its timetable. Although service frequency will remain the same, departure times will be adjusted to better align with Circular Line trains.