Interviewee: Mr. Tang (Zhongzheng, Tang)

Time: 2011.10.20

Place: Mr. Tang’s office

I am 69 years old. I have lived here for 42 years. Taipei SongShan Airport was built in 1950, and turned to be a domestic one in 1979. Without international fights, the airport became old and outdated. Not until 2008 did the government renew the airport and internationalize it with cross-strait flights and other Asia lines. There are about 200 flights per month now.

In a meeting call ”Taipei Issue,” almost all the delegations were agree to move the airport out of Taipei city. But people in our borough didn’t think so. We believe there is no capital in the world without an airport. It is essential for a city, especially for an island like Taiwan. It would save much time and cost for government to inspect or help around the country. Besides this, there are more and more business people who need to back and forth during Taiwan and mainland China. The airport is needed badly.

There are still many ways to decrease the noise from the airplane and be honest, the noise from the vehicles on the street is even more disturbing. The advantages of the airport outnumber the disadvantages it has. Therefore we don’t agree the relocation of the airport.

Because here is mainly a residential area rather than a business section, we don’t see much economical benefit the airport brings us. However, located in the most beautiful community –MingShen Community, how to maintain its living quality is far more important for us.

I suggest the Ministry of Transportation and Communications can take us in consideration when making the plan for the airport. They should plan it as a whole, and also make here a better and brand new place.