Welcoming the Yellow Rubber Duck in Keelung: Taiwan Railways’ First-Generation self-propelled Train Returns to Carry Duck Fans

▲ The first-generation self-propelled train makes a comeback for the Keelung Yellow Rubber Duck, operating on the Shulin–Keelung route starting December. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Yellow Rubber Duck will make its way into Keelung in December, and Taiwan Railways’ first-generation self-propelled train will make a comeback for the duck, with a special Yellow Rubber Duck headboard attached to the front, transforming it into the “Yellow Rubber Duck Special Train.” Starting December 1, it will run on the Shulin–Keelung route, with four daily services, gearing up for the arrival of the Keelung Duck on December 21.


▲ The Keelung Yellow Rubber Duck is expected to attract 6 million duck fans for sightseeing. (Photo / by reporter You..., press photo)

The Yellow Rubber Duck achieved remarkable success in Kaohsiung and Taoyuan, attracting 3.9 million and 2.4 million visitors respectively. To alleviate potential traffic congestion, the Keelung City Government has specially brought back the first-generation self-propelled train, which has not had regular scheduled services since 2009 and only occasionally ran on holidays, hoping to ease the flow of the massive number of duck fans.

In addition to taking the train, intercity buses will also add unscheduled services between Taipei and Keelung. There are intercity bus services to Keelung from Taipei City Hall Bus Station and Yuanshan Station. The Keelung City Government will also allocate 1,500 car parking spaces at the Liuhé Parking Lot by Tianliao River. By paying a one-way fee, visitors can take a shuttle bus to and from the duck exhibition area and the parking lot.

The Keelung Yellow Rubber Duck will greet everyone at Ocean Plaza. The government has designated five duck-viewing zones, with four surrounding Ocean Plaza and one located on the hill at Yongheng Cultural and Creative Park. The duck will rotate 360 degrees and change direction every hour, allowing all duck fans to admire its super cute pose.