The “Lady of Taiwan Railways” Transforms into a Cruise-Style Train to Welcome the First Light of the New Year

▲ The CT273, an iconic steam locomotive known as the “Lady of Taiwan Railways,” resumed service this summer after being retired for 35 years. (Photo / Tourism Department, Taitung County Government)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The CT273, an iconic steam locomotive known as the “Lady of Taiwan Railways,” now has a new way to charm travelers. On the 19th, Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) announced that starting from January 1, 2015, the CT273 will operate as a cruise-style train, taking passengers on a scenic journey along the North-Link Railway. Its very first trip will whisk travelers straight to the east coast to witness the first light of the New Year.

The CT273 had its maiden voyage on the Hualien-Taitung railway line in early August this year. The travel package was instantly sold out among rail enthusiasts, and the trip to the hard-to-reach Shanzili Station left many travelers with cherished memories. As a result, TRA decided to include this “lady” in its cruise-style train services starting from New Year’s Day next year, and fittingly launched a New Year’s Day first-light event.

According to a report by Liberty Times, the CT273 has recently been towing passenger carriages for trial runs along the North-Link Line, aiming to ensure smooth operation when the sightseeing trips begin next year. The highlight of the first-light event will be taking passengers directly to the east coast to await the first ray of the New Year, something many rail fans are eagerly anticipating.