It's on the move: "Kaohsiung Light Rail" undergoing dynamic testing, trial operation in August

▲ Kaohsiung light rail trains have been arriving in Taiwan successively, with partial service expected to launch by the end of August. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Government)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

The construction of Kaohsiung’s circular light rail is in full swing. Although the project was temporarily affected by last year’s gas explosion, dynamic testing is expected to begin on the 23rd, with partial service planned to commence in August this year.

The Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation stated that the first phase of the currently under-construction project spans 8.7 kilometers from the light rail depot at the intersection of Kaisyuan and Ersheng Roads to Shiziwan, featuring a total of 14 stations. However, due to last year’s gas explosion, and with the approval of the Executive Yuan, the full line is now expected to open by June 2016.

But the public need not be disappointed. Wu Yilong, director of the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation, said,the first phase of the light rail is currently 70% complete and will proceed with segmented completion and segmented service launch. It is expected that the section from the depot to C10 Station (Glory Pier) will be finished by the end of July, with trial operation and partial service beginning in August,allowing the public to experience Taiwan’s first light rail as soon as possible and explore Kaohsiung.

Wu further added that eight light rail trains have already arrived in Kaohsiung. Dynamic testing of the trains is scheduled to begin on the 23rd, along with power supply control measures. The final train is expected to arrive in April, and once dynamic testing commences, the public will have the chance to see the light rail trains running along the tracks.