TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taoyuan Department of Rapid Transit Systems announced Friday that the government has approved the construction of an MRT extension to connect the Sanying light rail in New Taipei to the Taoyuan MRT system in Bade District.

The connection will extend along the Light Blue Sanying Line, a light rail line which will passes through Yingge and Sanxia Districts, set to begin operations in 2026. On Friday, the government approved an extension that will consist of two extra stations, and an underground terminal where it will connect to the Taoyuan MRT’s Green Line.  

According to the press release, the extension will be 4.03 kilometers long. The project is budgeted at NT$16.057 billion (US$536.4 million), with central government covering approximately NT$9.1 billion, and Taoyuan City Government covering NT$6.9 billion.

The basic design and construction plans, drafted in June 2024, are ready to be implemented, and just need review from the Public Construction Commission. The three stations included in plans are Bade Bus Station (LB12), Shuxianpi (LB13), and the final stop at Danan (LB14) where commuters can transfer to the Taoyuan MRT Green Line.

The governments of New Taipei and Taoyuan will work together to integrate the MRT service. The extension is expected to be completed and available for public use within nine years, per the press release.