The operation of the high-speed rail system (HSR), although a major BOT (build-operate-transfer) project, has been run in contrast to the BOT spirit under the management of the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp., according to a study report worked out by the Control Yuan, the government's highest watchdog body. Join discussion...

The practice of "build, operate and transfer," otherwise known as "BOT," is a widely accepted procedure to allow private enterprises to carry out all or part of state-planned public works that permits private investment building and long-term operation of transportation or other infrastructure projects before an eventual transfer to public ownership. Seen in the 1990s as an ideal means to promote domestic and foreign private investment in costly transportation projects, almost all BOT projects carried out in Taiwan have experienced grave fiscal and management projects. Join discussion...

Chiu Ta-jan, director of Taipei City’s Department of Finance, said the Birdie Group was investing NT$9.1 billion (US$276.6 million) in the Guangci BOT project to construct a building complex with a total floor space of 141,900 square meters. This will include a nursing home and centers for the physically and mentally challenged, as well as long-term care of the elderly. In addition, the plan features community residences, a hotel, office buildings and shopping mall. Join discussion...

Kaohsiung, June 2 (CNA) The Kaohsiung city government is planning two more lines for its mass rapid transit system, even though the system suffered a massive loss of NT$2.2 billion last year, a city government official said Tuesday. The Department of Rapid Transit official said that in order to build the system into a comprehensive public transport network, the department is planning yellow and brown lines, which will pass through bustling business, leisure and scenic districts in the city to end at Chengching Lake in Kaohsiung County. Join discussion...

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Chang Chiu-chun, vice minister of transportation and communications, denied yesterday the government will take over the High Speed Rail Corporation, which offers Taiwan's bullet train service. Join discussion...