Radio TaiWan International
Date: 2017-04-15

The Cabinet says that an extension of Taichung’s subway system into nearby Changhua

County is a necessary move to boost the county’s economic development. (Photo by CNA)

The Cabinet says that an extension of Taichung’s subway system into nearby Changhua County is a necessary move to boost the county’s economic development.

Much of Taichung’s metro system is still in the planning stages or under construction.

President Tsai Ing-wen’s announcement of the planned Changhua extension Friday met with criticism from opposition KMT lawmakers, who said the plan was unnecessary and wasteful.

On Saturday, Cabinet spokesperson Hsu Kuo-yung responded that Changhua County has a high population density and needs a more efficient transportation system. He said a subway connection between Changhua and Taichung will help commuters. Hsu also said the president’s decision is aimed at boosting the economic development of central Taiwan, which lags behind cities in the north of the island.    [SOURCE]