The Taipei Metro's Xinyi Line East Extension, set to open soon, has come under fire for allegedly prioritizing speed over safety. Critics, including DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang, point to incomplete fire safety checks, untested emergency generators, and unfinished road restoration as evidence that the line is being rushed into service. However, the Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) strongly denies these claims, insisting that improvement works and the inspection process are running in parallel without conflict.
DORTS officials explain that the second-stage inspection by the Ministry of Transportation is a standard procedure to verify that all necessary improvements are on track. They emphasize that no final opening decision has been made until all safety requirements are fully met. Mayor Chiang Wan-an added that the city will request a second inspection based on the initial findings and timeline, and will ensure full compliance before any passenger service begins.
Despite the controversy, DORTS maintains that the extension will open only when it is safe to do so, dismissing any suggestion of a "sneak opening" as baseless.