INTERCITY TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENTS IN TAIWAN, R.O.C.: AN OVERVIEW

This article describes Taiwan's economic development and its existing transportation system, and outlines its planned development. Taiwan's geographic and socioeconomic characteristics are described as well as its urban centers and metropolitan areas. All intercity travel is by highway, railway or air. Almost all freight transported is by the highway and railway systems. However, highway transportation is the single most important intercity transport mode. Highways are of 4 types: national provincial, county, and local. Comprehensive transportation planning was initiated in 1976 with the Integrated Transportation Planning Study. Highway developments included the expansion and improvement of the provincial highway network, and the expansion of the National Freeway System. Planned railway developments are also briefly discussed. Proposals have also been made for expanding domestic air transportation.