Department of Sports, Taipei City Government

The rail transit sub-forum of the 2025 Taipei–Shanghai City Forum concluded successfully today in Shanghai. Representatives from the Taipei City Department of Transportation, Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, and academic and industry organizations from both cities gathered under the theme “Smart Mobility for the Future, Digital Innovation for Better Living.” Discussions focused on three key areas: building high-quality and sustainable public transport, rail innovation and development, and digital technology applications in transportation. The session was co-chaired by Director Xiao Hui of Shanghai’s Transportation Commission and Commissioner Hsieh Ming-Hung of Taipei’s Department of Transportation, with 52 representatives attending.

Director Xiao Hui noted in his opening remarks that Shanghai continues promoting high-quality public transport through digital, smart, and green transformation, making travel more convenient and user-friendly. He also recognized Taipei’s experience in public transport priority and smart mobility innovation as valuable references for collaboration, and expressed hopes for continued cooperation between the two cities.

Commissioner Hsieh Ming-Hung emphasized that rail transit serves not only as transportation infrastructure but also as a catalyst for urban economic growth. He highlighted transit-oriented development, smart stations, integrated ticketing, and innovative business models as ways rail systems generate new service value and revenue through cross-sector cooperation and digital transformation. Taipei will also host the ITS World Congress in 2029 and continue promoting smart transportation, industry development, ICT innovation, and tourism integration.

In the first session, Shanghai Deputy Director Liu Bin spoke on sustainable green transport and high-quality public transport development. He explained that Shanghai promotes new energy buses and taxis while integrating traffic management through its “urban transportation brain,” advancing autonomous driving and mobility services to create a seamless, people-centered public transport network.

Taipei Deputy Commissioner Yeh Tzu-Chuan followed with a presentation on AI and sustainable transport in Taipei. AI combined with big data enables traffic flow forecasting and real-time transit dispatch, optimizing routes, reducing empty vehicle runs, and cutting carbon emissions while improving efficiency. These efforts align with Taipei’s goal of building a safe, people-oriented, green, and smart transport environment.

Mayor Chiang Wan-An also attended the forum and encouraged participants. He noted that both cities face similar challenges involving carbon neutrality, digital transformation, and rising expectations for transport quality, making cooperation essential. Urban transport, he stressed, supports daily mobility while strengthening city competitiveness and sustainable development.

The second session discussed innovative rail operations and development, featuring presentations from Shanghai Shentong Metro Group and Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation on smart metro management and commercial innovation around metro stations. The third session examined digital innovation applications supporting safer and more convenient mobility. Experts and industry leaders from both cities shared experiences in MaaS development, smart ticketing services, and advanced transport data applications. Professors from both cities concluded the discussions with a summary dialogue.

Through exchanges at the Taipei–Shanghai City Forum, both cities continue addressing shared transportation challenges while advancing toward safer, more comfortable, and more convenient urban mobility.