Taichung's Shuinan transit hub criticized for opening with only parking and city buses
Taichung's new Shuinan transit center is under fire from opposition city councilors who say it opened half-empty and too early, a bad look for Mayor Lu Shiow-yen.
- The hub opened in early August, but only the underground parking garage and city bus bays are actually in use.
- Long-distance highway coaches have not moved in yet, leaving the building largely empty.
- DPP councilor Lin Chi-feng says the rush points to political timing tied to Lu Shiow-yen's expected presidential run.
- The operator signed its contract just nine days before the opening, leaving almost no time to prepare.
- The transport bureau says the opening is being done in stages, with ten highway bus routes moving over by the end of September.
Outlook: Whether the hub sheds its "giant parking lot" label depends on the September transfer of highway coach routes.