TENDERS for electrical and mechanical work on the first phase of the medium-capacity orbital transit line in Taipei are likely to be called in September, according to Chung-Cheng Kao, Chief Engineer of the Department of Rapid Transit Systems.

Announcing this at a UK Trade & Investment seminar in London last month, Kao said that 17 trainsets would be required for the 15·4 km route with 14 stations. Initial capacity has been specified at 9 600 passengers/h in each direction, rising later to 26 000 passengers/h each way. Electrification at 750 V DC is envisaged, but bidders will be able to propose different types of technology.

The orbital line forms part of Stage 3 of the Taipei metro plan, having already been approved by the Executive Yuan (RG 8.06 p444).