Taiwan’s first light rail arrives in Kaohsiung! Test run on November 9, can carry 250 passengers

Reporter You t
ru / Comprehensive report

Taiwan’s first light rail arrives in Kaohsiung! Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu stated that the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail is the first in Asia to adopt a fully catenary-free power supply system. A dynamic test is scheduled for November 9, and the system will be operated by the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation in the future, providing Kaohsiung with low-carbon, environmentally friendly, and high-quality public transportation services.


▲ Taiwan’s first light rail arrives in Kaohsiung. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Government)

The total length of the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail route is approximately 22.1 kilometers, with 36 stations and 1 depot. The first phase of the project is about 8.7 kilometers long, with a total construction cost of NT$16.537 billion. Each train is about 34 meters long and 2.65 meters wide, and can carry approximately 250 passengers, including 64 seated and 186 standing.

The light rail cars feature a low-floor design, with the floor level at each door entrance aligned with the platform, and no stairs inside the train, making them highly passenger-friendly. The acceleration and deceleration of the train sets also consider ergonomic factors to ensure a comfortable and convenient riding environment. The exterior design of the cars reflects the city's unique characteristics, while the interior is kept simple.

The light rail trains consist of five connected carriages, with gangways linking them. The doors use sliding plug doors to maintain a smooth and streamlined exterior. Each side of the train set has four entrances and exits, with each door opening to a clear width of 1.3 meters, allowing for quick boarding and alighting. Running on green-track routes, the light rail not only blends leisure with convenience but also reduces the sense of urban hustle and bustle, creating a distinctive waterfront light rail image that preserves the city’s blue skies, white clouds, and beautiful skyline.