NEW TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan — The 2026 New Taipei mayoral race is putting urban development and transportation at the center of the campaign, with DPP candidate Su Chiao-hui promoting a faster approach to neighborhood renewal while KMT candidate Lee Shu-chuan is proposing a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Tamsui River.
Lee has proposed building a bridge linking Zhongxiao Wharf in Sanchong District with Dadaocheng in Taipei, saying the project could improve cross-river access for pedestrians and cyclists while also becoming a new attraction for visitors. The proposal was presented during a supporters’ event in Sanchong, according to recent reporting by Taiwan News and CNA.
Lee, a former Taipei deputy mayor and former New Taipei public works official, also outlined other infrastructure priorities, including advancing the proposed Dahan River metro line and the Luzhou-Shezidao Bridge. He argued that additional transportation links could help ease pressure on existing crossings such as Chongyang Bridge.
Lee’s Bridge Proposal Draws Questions
The proposed bridge has already triggered debate within the New Taipei campaign.
DPP New Taipei City Councilor Yen Wei-tzu questioned the need for another crossing, noting that Sanchong and Dadaocheng are already connected by existing bridges. She said, however, that pedestrian and cycling access on those crossings can be difficult and called for a professional assessment before deciding whether a new bridge should be built.
Lee’s campaign spokesperson Kuo Yin-lan countered that the concerns about existing pedestrian and cycling conditions support, rather than undermine, the case for examining a dedicated crossing. She also challenged Su to clarify her position on the proposal.
Su Makes Urban Renewal a Campaign Focus
Su, meanwhile, has been focusing on urban renewal, particularly around older neighborhoods and areas close to public transportation.
During campaign visits to Fude Market and Huangshi Market in Banqiao, Su reiterated her proposal to establish a dedicated urban-renewal agency. Her stated aim is to speed up redevelopment while improving neighborhoods around transit stations.
Su has also emphasized preserving the cultural character of older communities rather than treating redevelopment solely as a construction project. Her proposal includes connecting arts and cultural businesses with historic buildings as part of broader neighborhood revitalization.
The competing proposals highlight two different infrastructure themes in the New Taipei race: Su’s emphasis on renewing existing urban areas and Lee’s focus on adding new transportation infrastructure.
Transportation Funding Is Another Key Issue
The candidates’ infrastructure positions come amid an ongoing dispute over funding for New Taipei’s mass-transit projects.
Earlier this month, the New Taipei City Government criticized reductions in central-government subsidies for MRT-related projects. The city said it had requested NT$21.79 billion in subsidies for fiscal 2026 but received NT$5.41 billion less than requested.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications disputed the characterization, saying it approved 85.5% of the NT$18.72 billion requested for MRT lines located within New Taipei City. The disagreement has become another issue in the mayoral campaign.
Lee has criticized the subsidy situation and called on Su to address funding concerns affecting projects in her legislative constituency. Su has responded that she would work to prevent further subsidy reductions.
New Taipei Race Turns to Development Choices
With Taiwan’s local elections scheduled for November 28, 2026, development and transportation are emerging as major issues in New Taipei City, one of the country’s largest municipalities.
For voters, the competing proposals put the spotlight on a basic question about the city’s next phase of development: whether priority should be placed on renewing existing communities and preserving their character, expanding transportation connections, or combining both approaches.
As campaigning intensifies, the debate over redevelopment, MRT funding and new infrastructure is likely to remain a prominent part of the New Taipei mayoral contest.
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