By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Organized by the Taipei City Government's Department of Information and Tourism, the "Lucky Taipei - Transportation Special Exhibition" runs until September 5, 2014, at the library of the former Air Force Command Headquarters. At the opening press conference, Mayor Hau Lung-bin said that the exhibition showcases the evolution of Taipei’s public transportation—from early pedal-powered rickshaws and Isuzu buses to modern MRTs, buses, and eco-friendly options like YouBikes. In addition to providing an easy-to-understand introduction to Taipei’s transit history, the exhibition also uses storytelling, interactive installations, audiovisual media, models, and physical displays to revive public memories of past transport methods and offer hands-on experiences with today’s fast and convenient urban mobility.
The site features a variety of transportation vehicles from different eras in Taipei, aiming to take visitors on a cross-time travel experience. (Photo / Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)
The "Lucky Taipei - Transportation Special Exhibition" opened on the morning of July 5. Mayor Hau Lung-bin and renowned cultural historian Zhuang Yongming made a striking entrance by riding a now-discontinued Taiwanese Sprint taxi. The mayor said that taking a 25-year-old taxi to the event felt special—reminding him how taking a taxi used to be a luxury during his childhood in tougher times, but has now become just another tool for beating traffic. He added that today’s transportation development and achievements are the result of long-term efforts by everyone involved in building the system.
The mayor had fun playing the role of a driver in a 25-year-old taxi. (Photo / Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)
With the opening of the Songshan Line at the end of this year, Taipei’s MRT network will be largely complete. The MRT not only offers convenience but has also become one of Taipei’s most iconic city features. According to weekly reports, public satisfaction with Taipei’s transportation exceeds 70%. The efficient transit system not only provides residents with a better living environment, but the integration of green transportation options such as B (Bicycle, Bus), M (Metro), and W (Walk) has also changed the habits of residents in daily life and travel, while making it more convenient for tourists to visit or explore Taipei independently.
The connection through various green transportation modes has earned Taipei notably high satisfaction ratings. (Photo / Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)
After the official opening of the Xinyi Line of the Taipei MRT, the total number of operational lines has increased to 11. Commuters now enjoy shorter travel times and more diverse transfer options. The L-shaped network allows passengers to “reach the farthest destinations with just one transfer,” serving an average of 1.9 million passengers per day. Meanwhile, the popular green transport option “Little Yellow” YouBike has surpassed 20 million users. Coupled with developments in buses, bilingual taxis, Songshan Airport, Taiwan Railways, high-speed rail, Maokong Gondola, and the Blue Highway, Taipei’s transportation system has become more convenient and comfortable. Looking ahead, Taipei aims to increase the share of green transportation to 70%, introduce 100% low-emission public transit vehicles, enhance a fully barrier-free environment, and move toward a sustainable, people-friendly, livable, and safe urban transport future.
YouBike usage has now exceeded 20 million rides, and the exhibition also features a floating sensory experience device for YouBikes. (Photo / Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)
The opening press conference featured Zhu Wei, a veteran announcer with 20 years of experience at Taiwan Railways, who reproduced the familiar classic platform announcements live, guiding audiences through a time-traveling prelude. This was combined with trendy B-Box beatboxing music, led by the well-known Mouzik Beatbox group, allowing attendees to feel Taipei’s recent transportation evolution through sound. Zhuang Yongming, a lifelong Taipei native, also shared how transportation developments in different eras have transformed life and influenced the city. He recalled that taxis used to have no air conditioning, making a ride a luxurious experience, and that bus riders needed to prepare multiple types of tickets from different operators—unlike today, where a single EasyCard allows seamless travel across Taipei. These small stories, he said, highlight the greatness of the city.
Through the integration of various green transportation options, Taipei enables residents and visitors to explore the city freely and enjoy life. (Photo / Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)
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