TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kaohsiung City Government announced Tuesday that the Kaohsiung Light Rail exceeded 90,000 daily passengers during the first three days of the Lunar New Year (Jan. 29-31) break.

The spike in traffic was not only due to the long holiday but also the Kaohsiung Wonderland event held at Love River Bay which features giant inflatable characters from the Japanese manga series Chiikawa, amusement rides, and an outdoor market that runs till Feb. 16, per CNA. 

Kaohsiung Light Rail said it added train compartments and increased the frequency of trains to every eight minutes to accommodate peak travel over the Lunar New Year. City officials said the increased traffic on the light rail system shows that citizens have embraced the service for holiday outings and visiting friends and relatives. 

Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit Bureau also decorated station platforms from C25 to C29 with "five blessings" for the holiday, creating a festive atmosphere for passengers as light rail stations not only serve as a public transportation hub but also as a platform for displaying art and local culture.

The Kaohsiung Light Rail is entering its 11th year of operation and is the first light rail system of its kind in Taiwan. Total passenger volume in 2024 reached 12.58 million, a single-year high, which demonstrates its increasingly important role in the daily lives of Kaohsiung citizens, per NVNS. 

Kaohsiung MRT Director Wu Chia-chang (吳嘉昌) oversaw safety inspections on the light rail before the holiday to ensure smooth operations. He also thanked all staff for their sacrifice, which allowed the public to enjoy extra service provided by the light rail.