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Taiwan’s Tamsui Light Rail to start service Dec. 23

The rail is first of its kind in northern Taiwan

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Tamsui Light Rail (Photo/New Taipei Metro)

Tamsui Light Rail (Photo/New Taipei Metro)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu announced Tuesday that the Tamsui Light Rail will commence operations on Dec. 23 as a farewell present for the residents of the city before a new mayor assumes office on Dec. 25.

Presiding over his last city government meeting on Dec. 18, Chu noted that the inauguration of the Tamsui Light Rail will serve as a major milestone for his administration while marking 57 percent completion of the “3 rings 3 lines” rail network.

Other feats accomplished during his tenure include improved sewage treatment, the implementation of 484 green spaces, the establishment of 60 public daycare centers, and stellar business solicitation performances, Chu touted.

Billed as the first of its kind in northern Taiwan, the Tamsui Light Rail spans 7.3 km and boasts 11 stations, all of which feature public art by Taiwanese artist Jimmy Liao. The elevated platforms and railways also allow for a better view of the Tamsui River and of Mount Guanyin across the water, according to the New Taipei Metro Corporation.

The trains are decked out with an aquamarine ocean-themed exterior in harmony with the seaside town of Tamsui. Unlike Taipei Metro, the rail requires passengers to press a button to open the train doors for energy efficient purposes. The metro system is expected to help relieve traffic congestion for the east-west Provincial Highway No. 2 and drive regional development.

The maximum single ride fare for Tamsui Light Rail is NT$25 (US$0.8). Riders can enjoy a 20 percent discount using an electronic ticket. New Taipei Metro plans to introduce nine mobile payment tools for the system in June 2019 to provide a more convenient riding experience.

Taiwan’s Tamsui Light Rail to start service Dec. 23

Tamsui Light Rail (Photo/New Taipei Metro)