Transportation Minister Lin Chia-lung says that extending Taiwan’s high-speed rail network to Yilan County is important for connecting all of the island’s regions.
The northeastern county is served by conventional rail, but the nearest high-speed rail station is in Taipei.
On Wednesday, Lin told lawmakers that an extension to Yilan would reduce passenger volume on conventional rail services, freeing up tickets for those headed further down the east coast. He also said an extension would help ease congestion on National Freeway 5.
Lin said the goals of extending the high-speed rail line are to allow people to travel across Taiwan quickly and to help promote the tourism and culture industries.
Lin said the Railway Bureau has conducted an initial evaluation, and determined that a high-speed line between Taipei and Yilan is feasible.