Text by MOOK Scenic Spots compiled and reported
The final train left Kaohsiung Railway Station at 22:27 on October 13, an historic moment witnessed by railway fans and those who love the station, while October 14 also saw the official inauguration of the new station. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Railway Bureau specially gave away commemorative iPASS tickets for the Kaohsiung Railway Underground Project to mark this special occasion.
Commemorative iPASS ticket for the Kaohsiung Railway Underground Project. (Photo / Ministry of Transportation and Communications Railway Bureau)
On the opening day, October 14, the Railway Bureau distributed free commemorative iPASS tickets at 10 new stations along the line, including Zuoying (Jiucheng) Station, Neiwei Station, Museum of Fine Arts Station, Gushan Station, Sankuaicuo Station, Kaohsiung Station, Minzu Station, Science and Technology Museum Station, Zhengyi Station, and Fengshan Station.
The brand-new design of Kaohsiung’s new station is refreshing. (Photo / Kaohsiung Good Day)
Distribution took place at the Kaohsiung Railway Underground Exhibition Hall located in Kaohsiung Station (in the former east-wing dome building in front of the old Kaohsiung Railway Station on Jianguo 2nd Road), where 1,000 tickets were handed out. The other nine stations each gave out 200 tickets at their entrances, making a total limited distribution of 2,800 tickets. Note that number cards will be handed out promptly at 9:00 AM at each location, with each person limited to one. From 11:10 AM that day, commemorative tickets can be collected using the number cards. Quantities are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
The large skylight in the ceiling allows light to stream in and creates a visual effect that interacts with the sky. (Photo / Kaohsiung Good Day)
The commemorative iPASS tickets being given away hold both commemorative and collectible value. The front of the card features the interior of the new Kaohsiung Railway Station’s canopy, with the station’s interior design inspired by the lanterns of traditional temple squares, ingeniously transformed into a cloud-like ceiling visual concept.
At 6:00 AM on October 14, the first train officially entered the new station, and the inauguration ceremony was held at 11:00 AM. The railway underground project also lays a new foundation for the next phase of Kaohsiung’s development, becoming a new highlight for tourism in the city alongside the Weiwuying area.