Maokong Gondola

Read from somewhere that the Maokong Gondola was closed last year for maintenance... we are going to taipei in antoher 2 weeks time and is wondering if it has re-opened yet?

If it is not, how can we go up to Maokong?

Maokong Gondola

Maokong Gondola will remain out of service as works are being carried out to stabilize the gondola pillar and surrounding slope. Work is expected to complete before June 2009.

www.trtc.com.tw/e/shownews1.asp?id=1688

Board bus Brown 15 from the bus-stop on the opposite side of Taipei Zoo direct to Maokong. Travel time: About 30 mins. Fare: NT$15 Alternatively, board bus 236, 237 or 282 from the bus-stop on the opposite side of Taipei Zoo to “National Chengchi Unviversity” stop (commonly called “Zhengda”) and transfer to mini bus S10 to Maokong. Travel time: About 10 + 20 mins (not including waiting time). Fare: NT$15 + NT$15

Map of Maokong: www.taipeitravel.net/maokong/en/PrintMap.asp

Maokong Gondola

';Closed for maintainance'; is too flattering, the gondola has been shut down because the whole thing is in danger of collapse! A couple of the pillars had their footings washed away, and is now dangling precariously in the air.

I don%26#39;t know how the Taipei government plans to salvage this mess, but I am not setting foot in that death trap again. If they can allow this whole thing to be built on loose dirt in gross violation of building codes and permit requiremnets in the first place, who is to guarantee that they won%26#39;t cut corners again in the repair job?