New Taipei Circular Line to run trains every 5 minutes during peak hours

New Taipei, July 22 (CNA) Train frequency on New Taipei's Circular Line will increase starting Aug. 1, with intervals during peak hours shortened to under 5 minutes, the metro operator announced Tuesday.

During weekday rush hours (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), trains will arrive every 4 minutes and 50 seconds, down from the current 5 minutes and 30 seconds, the New Taipei Metro said in a news release.

Off-peak intervals will also improve -- from 10 minutes to 7 minutes and 30 seconds on weekdays (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and weekends (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), it said.

The average passenger wait time will drop from 4 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes 50 seconds, easing congestion and improving rider comfort.

According to the company, weekday train trips will increase from 283 to 329, a 16.3 percent jump, while weekend trips will rise from 229 to 271, an 18.3 percent increase.

A full timetable will be published, allowing passengers to check train schedules via platform displays, gate monitors, the official website, or QR codes available in stations and onboard, the company said.

The Ankeng Light Rail, which connects to the Circular Line at Shisizhang Station, will also adjust departure times to improve transfer efficiency, but its frequency will remain unchanged, it said.