Special 426Taipei Rapid Transit System Postage Stamps (2001) (D426)

Stamp SN : D426
Stamp Name : Special 426Taipei Rapid Transit System Postage Stamps (2001)
Stamp Cat Standard : Special Stamps
Stamp Cat : Rapid Transit System
Issue date : 2001-08-14
Dimension of stamps(mm.) : 37 x 29 (mm)
Size of souvenir Sheet (mm.) : 125 x 60 mm
Printer : China Color Printing Co., Ltd., R.O.C.
Sheet composition : 20 ( 5 x 4 )
Print color : Colorful
Process : Deep etch offset
Paper : Phosphorescent stamp paper
Perforation : 13
Designer : J. C. Chen

On March 28, 1996 the Mucha medium-capacity line of Taipei's MRT (mass rapid transit system) opened. It was followed by the Tamshui, Chungho and Hsintien Lines, all of which, along with the Mucha Line, are north-south lines. When the east-west Pannan Line opened partialy, it connected the other lines, forming a network of lines whose map looks like a double cross. The opening of Taipei's MRT was a milestone in the history of transportation in our country. In commemoration, the Directorate General of Posts is issuing a set of two stamps and a miniature sheet on August 14, 2001, with denominations of NT$5.00, NT$12.00 and NT$25.00 respectively. The design of the NT$5.00 stamp will bear the logo of Taipei's MRT and a close-up picture of the front of a medium-capacity car. The NT$12.00 stamp shows passengers in a station and a rapid transit card.
The miniature sheet will feature the Tamshui Line's Chientan Station (a building that blends tradition and modernity) as well as a high-capacity car. The stamps were painted by Up Creative Designing & Advertising Corporation and are being printed in color deep-etch offset by China Color Printing Co. Inc.
After more than ten years of planning and construction, Taipei's rapid transit system finally opened. It is a great achievement in the realm of transportation and has improved the quality of life for the city's citizens and strengthened the ROC's international image. Taipei's MRT system is convenient and reliable. A complete and efficient network has been built to meet people's transportation needs. Depending on the environment, some routes were built underground, others were constructed at surface, and still others were built elevated. This high-ridership network of rails is fast with frequent trains, and has been integrated with the buses to provide an excellent and convenient multi-modal transit system.
First-day covers, folders with and without crystal mounts for the set of stamps and for the miniature sheet, as well as loose-leaf album pages, will be released along with the stamps. These will go on sale August 10, 2001. Pre-cancelled FDCs with the full set of stamps, with just one lower-value stamp or with the miniature sheet will go on sale August 14, 2001, the stamps' date of issue. For further information, please refer to the upcoming Philatelic Bulletin or Postal Service Today.