The debate over the location for Yilan's new high speed rail station has dragged out for a long time, but the intensity of the discussion is as strong as ever. Some say the decision will cost them their homes. Others are ambivalent and just want construction to get started.
It had seemed that officials were leaning towards picking the remote town of Sucheng instead of the main Yilan Station, but people then complained that that location was too inconvenient.
The government has since decided to add two more options. One is a new station that's very close to the main train station. The second would be close to the main highway and government offices, and would not require demolishing people's homes.
Yilan City mayor Chiang Tsung-yuan says that despite different perspectives, everyone just wants the construction of the new station to be a success. Compromise is definitely necessary if Taiwan wants these high speed rail plans to stay on track.