Gold Diamond and Triumph Night Markets packed to capacity; city government urges use of MRT Triumph Station Exit 2

▲ The grand opening of the Kaohsiung Gold Diamond Night Market. (Photo / Provided by the “Eat with All Your Heart” Kaohsiung Food Fan Page)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The nation’s largest Gold Diamond and Triumph Tourist Night Markets opened at the end of July, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and boosting the local economy in Kaohsiung. However, the opening of the night markets has also had an impact on surrounding traffic and the environment. On the 1st, the Kaohsiung City Government stated that in order to provide tourists and local citizens with a high-quality shopping experience at the tourist night markets, it will strengthen enforcement against violations around the markets. The public is encouraged to take the MRT and transfer to the free shuttle bus, or use city buses such as Route 168 to reach the night markets.

▲ The Kaohsiung City Government explained traffic mitigation measures for the Triumph and Gold Diamond Night Markets on August 1. (Photo / Provided by the Kaohsiung City Government)

With the successive openings of two major night markets in Kaohsiung attracting tourists from southern Taiwan, some media have even reported a 20% increase in nearby housing prices in southern Kaohsiung. However, the influx of visitors has led to traffic issues. On the 1st, the city’s Bureau of Economic Development, Transportation Bureau, Police Bureau, and MRT Corporation held a press conference at MRT Triumph Station to outline improvement measures addressing the traffic impact caused by the operation of the tourist night markets.

The Transportation Bureau stated that in addition to strongly urging operators to manage traffic flow, related traffic improvement measures include:

1. Adjusting the signal timing on Kaisyuan 4th Road

2. Removing parking spaces on Kaisyuan 4th Road and red no-parking lines along nearby road sections

3. Using CMS to inform drivers of detour routes and asking operators to set up parking areas

4. Installing pedestrian guidance signs and requiring operators to increase the frequency of shuttle buses

5. As pedestrians frequently cross Kaisyuan 4th Road illegally, posing safety risks, traffic cones and barriers have been installed in the middle of the road to prevent jaywalking. The public is urged to use the pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Kaisyuan 4th Road and Ruitian Street and avoid illegal road crossings.

To alleviate traffic congestion, night market operators are providing frequent free shuttle buses from MRT Triumph Station Exit 2.The public can take the “free shuttle bus” from MRT Triumph Station (R6) Exit 2, which departs every 5 minutes with frequent service. Alternatively, they can take city buses such as Red 12, Route 168, Route 25, and Route 37 to the night markets. They may also walk from Exit 2 of MRT Triumph Station along New Kaisyuan 4th Road, which takes only about 8 minutes.At the same time, to ensure a safe and pleasant walking environment for night market visitors, motorcycle parking is prohibited on surrounding sidewalks. The Police Bureau will continue to strengthen enforcement against violations in the area.

To serve passengers taking the MRT to the night markets, the Kaohsiung MRT Corporation has enhanced its passenger information display systems and station announcements, and adjusted signage to clearly indicate the locations for boarding and alighting the night market shuttle buses as well as walking routes. In terms of transport capacity, the MRT Corporation will increase train frequency if necessary to meet transportation demand. For those who choose to drive or ride motorcycles, it is recommended to park at other MRT stations along the line that have large parking lots, then transfer to the MRT to reach Triumph Station. Information regarding MRT shuttle services to the Kaohsiung Gold Diamond and Triumph Tourist Night Markets can be found on the Kaohsiung MRT Corporation’s website (www.krtco.com.tw).