Mayor Chu checks up on Chinese New Year traffic and transportation
Mayor Chu checks up on Chinese New Year traffic and transportation
The Chinese New Year is upon us. To help citizens safely traveling back to their hometowns, New Taipei City Mayor Chu went to the Banqiao High Speed Railway (HSR), Taiwan Railways station, taxi hub, and bus station to observe traffic and transportation operations. Aside from thanking the on-duty staff for working during the holiday season, the Mayor also presented gift bags to travelers who are returning to their hometowns and wished the travelers an early happy new year.
Chu said that due to the Chinese New Year season being shorter this year, the size of the crowd returning home today is also larger. The mayor thanked workers from the central government and the local staff for working together to direct the travelers and alleviate traffic. HSR, Taiwan Railways, public roads, and the general public have also contributed to the effort to maintain traffic safety. The mayor also thanked all of the hardworking police officers and volunteers.
Mayor Chu first went to HSR waiting area to observe. The HSR Banqiao Station Manager said that he expects the size of the crowd to peak between tonight and tomorrow morning. HSR will increase the number of services by 360 trains from February 16th to the 24th, bringing the total number of train services to 1516 for the nine-day period. The HSR hopes to provide more travel options to the citizens.
The Mayor Chu later arrived at the Taipei Railways station. The Taipei Railways station manager pointed out that the Banqiao station will optimize the use of human and other resources during the holidays. From February 16th to the 24th, the station will provide an extra 475 train departures, and an additional 988 passenger cars will be attached.
Mayor Chu then went to the railway police station and expressed gratitude to the on-duty officers. The mayor went to the main hall of the train station, wished the taxicab workers a happy new year, and inquired about the taxi fares during the holidays. Lastly, the mayor went to the Banqiao Bus Station and heard the brief report by the bus station manager. The Manager reported that from February 17th to the 24th, the station will serve 3300 departures and an estimated 40000 people.
In addition, the Transportation Department said that to improve the usual wait time of 2 to 3 hours for the eastern Tze-Chiang Limited Express’ routes, the Taipei Railways will start a trial period of non-reserved seating on the the New Tze-Chiang Limited Express (called Taraok and Puyuma). From February 17th to February 23rd, for six fixed express trains, all seating will be non-reserved, and for six select northbound or southbound trains, cars numbered 7 and 8 will be non-reserved.
For more information: Transportation Department, Chief Secretary, Wu Guoji, Tel: 1999 (within city limits) or 02-2960-3456 ext. 6973