Taipei City Government

Mayor Ko Wen-je sounded the starter pistol for the athletes taking part in the Taipei City Race – the first stop of the 2015 Tour de Taiwan.
During his address before the race, the mayor wished all participating athletes success in the competition.
A total of 23 cycling teams hailing from 32 nations are taking part in the 2015 Tour de Taiwan.
Ko noted that bicycles play an important role in Taipei’s green transportation scheme. Not only are bicycles tools for leisure and exercise; they are also transportation vehicles. He believes that in order for Taipei to become a green city, the expansion of bicycle lanes will be a key factor. In addition to existing lanes, the City has devised plans to build new bike lanes on roads with width over 40 meters.
Responding to media questions about plans for dismantling Taipei West Bus Station and relocate coach services to Nangang, Ko pointed out that times are changing, and plans to make Taipei Train Station the hub of city traffic is no longer valid given the convenience of the MRT network. The mayor reiterated his intention on moving the terminal for inter-municipality buses to different points along the mass transit stations to reduce traffic congestions in downtown areas.
He added that technical questions are best left to the experts, suggesting that it will take another year to redraw Taipei’s transportation plans, with coaches being only a part of the overall design.