PM Meets Chiayi Mayor, Boosts BRT Service, Orders Light Rail Feasibility Study

Executive Yuan Premier Zhuo Rongtai met with Chiayi Mayor Huang Min-hui today in the reception room of the Presidential Office, where the two engaged in an in-depth discussion on the development of public transportation in Chiayi County and City. The core of the talks focused on enhancing the capacity of the existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and evaluating the feasibility of the Light Rail Blue Line. The Executive Yuan explicitly stated that it would instruct the Ministry of Transportation to assist in the short term by increasing BRT passenger capacity and service frequency to alleviate peak-hour congestion. This move not only responds to Chiayi residents' expectations for more convenient public transit but also aligns with the central government's policy direction of promoting green transportation and reducing car usage.

Regarding the Light Rail Blue Line, the Executive Yuan and the Ministry of Transportation have agreed to launch a feasibility study, which will assess the scope and technical conditions for extending the route. Chiayi City has previously proposed light rail plans aimed at connecting the city center with surrounding emerging development areas to improve public transit coverage and service quality. This study will conduct a systematic analysis of multiple indicators, including route alignment, station placement, projected ridership, and construction costs, with the aim of providing a scientific basis for decision-making. If the study confirms feasibility, it will inject new momentum into Chiayi's urban development and potentially stimulate investment and employment opportunities in related industries.

On the matter of cost-sharing, the Executive Yuan indicated that the central and local governments will jointly bear the funding required for construction and operation through a "project-specific negotiation" model. This approach has precedents in previous metro and light rail projects, aiming to balance the central government's macro planning with local practical needs while avoiding excessive unilateral burdens. Specifically, the central government may provide initial planning and partial construction subsidies, while the local government will be responsible for land expropriation, aligning with local tax revenues, and subsequent operation and maintenance. Both parties will determine the proportions and timelines through negotiation to ensure the project's financial feasibility and execution efficiency.

The three consensus points reached in this meeting—short-term enhancement of BRT connections, expansion of the Light Rail Blue Line feasibility assessment, and cost-sharing via project-specific negotiation—demonstrate that the central government's response to local transportation needs is becoming increasingly concrete. For Chiayi, immediate improvements to the BRT will directly enhance the commuting experience and reduce road congestion; if the Light Rail Blue Line is realized, it is expected to form a city axis, promoting the redevelopment of public spaces and the integration of tourism resources. More importantly, the establishment of a cost negotiation mechanism provides a viable cooperation framework for future large-scale infrastructure projects, reducing delays caused by financial disputes.

From a national perspective, the advancement of Chiayi's transportation issues and the central government's support echo the government's recent policy orientation of "public transit priority" and "low-carbon cities." As urbanization levels rise across Taiwan, the efficiency and accessibility of public transportation have become key indicators of urban competitiveness. If Chiayi successfully demonstrates the synergistic development of BRT and light rail, it will provide a reference model for other small and medium-sized cities, further enhancing the overall quality and sustainability of the island-wide public transportation system. (Source: Central News Agency)