By KHT Staff
TAINAN — Tainan City’s (台南市) first metro line took a major step forward this week after the central government approved the comprehensive planning proposal for the Blue Line (藍線), clearing the way for construction to begin as early as the end of 2026.
City officials say the project marks a turning point for urban transport in southern Taiwan’s historic capital. Alongside metro development, the city government has rolled out supporting traffic measures, including three new multi-story parking facilities in Yongkang (永康區) and Rende (仁德區) districts. These sites will be developed through public-private partnerships using the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model.
The Urban Development Bureau (都市發展局) said the parking projects are located on prime land near future metro stations and are designed to integrate transportation infrastructure with commercial services. Officials hope the combined approach will improve mobility while revitalizing surrounding neighborhoods.
Parking Demand Rising with Urban Growth
According to the bureau, Tainan has seen rapid industrial and urban expansion in recent years. New zoning developments, land readjustment projects, and urban renewal zones have driven population growth and increased housing demand, leading to mounting pressure on parking infrastructure.
Since 2017, the city has worked with the central government’s Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program (前瞻基礎建設計畫) to construct multi-level parking structures across several districts. The new BOT projects aim to further ease congestion in high-demand areas.
Metro as Catalyst for Urban Renewal
Officials stressed that the Blue Line is more than just a transit project. It is expected to serve as a driver for long-term urban regeneration and regional development.
“The metro will reshape daily life and urban patterns in Tainan,” the bureau said. “We are integrating rail construction with parking facilities and surrounding land development to build a more livable and accessible city.”
Urban planning amendments tied to the metro project entered public review on December 4, 2025. City officials said feedback collected during the consultation period will inform final design and implementation decisions.
Visual simulations released by the city show proposed parking structures at Rende (仁德) and Yongkang (永康), featuring multi-level layouts and integrated commercial space.
Source: Liberty Times
