Taipei Metro's Xinyi Eastern Extension line, which is set to open soon, has sparked controversy after it was revealed that fire safety inspections had not been passed, yet the project was still submitted for final inspection. Legislator Enoch Wu (Shen Boyang) criticized the move, calling it "public relations first" over genuine safety concerns.
According to reports, the fire safety equipment and emergency systems in the extension failed to meet standards during initial checks. Despite this, the Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems has applied for a site inspection for commercial operation, raising questions about whether safety is being compromised for political or scheduling reasons.
Wu stated, "The authorities should not prioritize the opening date over the safety of commuters. It is unacceptable to request a final inspection before fire safety issues are resolved." He urged the department to complete all necessary safety verifications before allowing the line to operate.
The Taipei Metro has not yet issued an official response to the criticism.