By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu announced on the 29th that the city is about to welcome the nation’s first light rail transit system. With construction progress exceeding 70%, the light rail will carry Kaohsiung’s century-long progress and dreams, and is expected to begin operation as early as the end of August!

Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Bureau Director Wu Yilong stated that during the summer trial operation of the ten light rail stations, free rides will be offered. Full fares, estimated at NT$20 per ride, will begin after all fourteen stations are operational in 2016. During the trial period, trains will run every 7.5 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours.

To welcome the arrival of the Kaohsiung Light Rail, the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Bureau held a public naming campaign for the light rail stations and announced the names of the first phase of 14 stations: Liizihnei Station, Kaisyuan Ruitian Station, Qianzhen Star Station, Kaisyuan Zhonghua Station, Dream Mall Station, Economic and Trade Park Station, Software Park Station, Kaohsiung Exhibition Center Station, Traveler Center Station, Glory Pier Station, True Love Pier Station, Bo-ai Dayi Station, Bo-ai Penglai Station, and Hamasen Station.

Chen Chu noted that the Kaohsiung Light Rail features a warm, vibrant, sleek, and lightweight design. Running at ground level, it gives riders the feeling of being in Europe. The entire line employs the world’s most advanced catenary-free system, reducing urban landscape impact while preserving the beautiful, open skyline. It also uses 100% low-floor carriages for seamless platform-to-car access, accommodating seniors and passengers with limited mobility, offering high levels of convenience and user-friendliness.
 

Ushi-oni (ugly sprites) join you at work—Kaohsiung’s limited-time “Ushi-oni Painted Train”