The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) will operate the CK124 "Midsummer Taiwan" steam sightseeing train every Wednesday from July 4 to August 29, 2012, giving the public a chance to explore renowned sites along the Jiji Line by steam train. Steam train enthusiasts and railway culture fans can board the "Midsummer Taiwan" at Ershui or Checheng. Ticket reservations for the July 4 service open tomorrow (June 20) at 6:00 AM.
Riding a steam train through Jiji will be the most nostalgic travel experience this summer. (Photo provided by TRA / Chen Zhenfang)
The "Midsummer Taiwan" is classified as a Tze-Chiang Limited Express. Its route runs between Ershui and Checheng, with stops at stations such as Zhuoshui and Jiji. Reservations for services two weeks ahead open every Wednesday. For example, tickets for July 11 can be booked starting June 27. A single ticket costs NT$399. Online and phone reservations are available daily from 6:00 AM to midnight, with options for online payment, automated ticket machines for reserved seating trains, as well as ticket pick-up at post offices and convenience stores. There are three business cars, each seating 33 passengers, totaling 99 seats.
Seats on the "Midsummer Taiwan" are limited. Reservations for the July 4 service start June 20—don’t miss out and book quickly ! (Photo provided by TRA / Chen Zhenfang)
The "Midsummer Taiwan" also accepts reservations from international travelers. Tickets can be booked via the webpage railway.hinet.net/net_eng.htm, and payments can be made using the online system at ticket.chinatrust.com.tw/railway/index.php. Tickets can then be collected up to 30 minutes before departure at any TRA station.
The "Midsummer Taiwan" Steam Sightseeing Train
Dates: July 4 – August 29, 2012, every Wednesday
Booking Hours: Daily from 06:00 to 24:00
Fare: NT$399 (no standing tickets available)
Website: railway.hinet.net
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