TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) criticized central government cuts to metro subsidies Thursday (Sept. 18) during an inspection of Taipei's Xinyi Line East Extension. He urged the central government to prioritize public welfare and infrastructure over political conflicts. Chiang expressed concern over the impact on local construction projects across Taiwan.
Chiang highlighted discrepancies between the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (交通部) regarding metro construction subsidies. He called on the central government to stop disregarding local infrastructure needs, noting cuts to school electricity subsidies and youth rental assistance. Chiang plans to collaborate with Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) to secure funding.
Executive Yuan spokesperson Lee Hui-chih (李慧芝) stated the central government cannot provide further support. Chiang criticized the government for reducing original subsidies and urged President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to propose amendments. He noted metro construction funds were slashed in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, hoping mayors Lu and Chen would join his concerns.
Taichung Mayor Lu revealed Wednesday (Sept. 17) that the Taichung Metro Blue Line subsidy drastically decreased. The city expected NT$4.2 billion (around US$139.5 million) next year but received only NT$168 million (around US$5.6 million), hindering construction. New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) reported NT$9 billion (around US$299.1 million) cuts from metro budgets, demanding clarification on NT$34.5 billion (around US$1.15 billion) consolidated fund allocation.
