A New Era in Public Transportation: Kaohsiung's Light Rail／輕軌上路 體驗高雄光榮時刻
A New Era in Public Transportation: Kaohsiung's Light Rail
◎English translation: Hou Ya-ting
◎Photos by Kao Jhih-hung, Jhang Jian Ying-hao, Kao Chia-tse
Kaohsiung's light rail system commenced trial runs in October 2015, and many local residents have participated with enthusiasm. These passengers share a sense of joy and pride at riding Taiwan's very first light rail. The light rail system marks an important milestone in Taiwan's public transportation. As Mayor Chen Chu has stated, the light-rail system shows Kaohsiung's public transportation is on a par with other international cities.
Kaohsiung's light-rail stations are minimalist in terms of design. The open space better connects the stations to surrounding communities, and enhances ventilation. There is grass on either side of the track, helping passengers relax while waiting for trams.
The trams themselves enhance the city's intriguing scenery. As a tram approaches, the streamlined vehicle with its green and white exterior fits smoothly in with the backdrop of blue skies and trees. When they move, the trams look as if they are sliding through grass. When a tram stops, and riders press a button indicating they wish to embark; the doors slide open in opposite directions. The interior of each car is decorated in white, bluish gray and light green. Ergonomic seat design ensures every passenger has a pleasant journey.
Light rail riders can use the trams for sightseeing as well as commuting, thanks to the large windows and the complete absence of catenary wires which might otherwise obscure the view. Thus riding the light rail is a comfortable and interesting way to travel in Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung's light rail system realizes the city's determination to adopt sustainable transportation, and marks a new era for Taiwan's public transportation. Kaohsiung welcomes friends from all over the world to experience this new way of traveling in Kaohsiung.
輕軌上路 體驗高雄光榮時刻
◎文／徐澤霖
◎攝影／高志宏、張簡英豪、高嘉澤
2015年10月，高雄輕軌開始試營運的消息傳開，報名搶先體驗的民眾和團體一波又一波，熱情的民眾湧現在輕軌車站，車廂裡滿溢著喜悅與驕傲，這是台灣運輸史上的重要一刻，也是高雄的光榮時刻！高雄市長陳菊表示，輕軌代表高雄公共運輸進入與世界同步的新時代。
高雄輕軌候車站設計輕巧、減量，自然地融入周邊環境，隨步走進車站，沒有任何階梯或障礙物阻撓，軌道兩旁的綠草地賞心悅目，站體空間寬敞開闊，任由涼風吹拂，讓候車的心情既輕鬆又愉快。
遠看緩緩駛近的輕軌列車，綠白流線型車廂，襯著藍天與綠樹，彷彿是滑行在草地上的移動風景。待列車停妥，按下開門鈕，車門往兩邊輕輕滑開，排隊的民眾迫不及待地進入車廂。輕軌車廂內裝由白色、藍灰與淡綠構成，清新淡雅，座椅貼身舒適，符合人體工學，身心可以全然地放鬆。
行進中的輕軌列車緩慢平穩，寬廣透亮的玻璃窗灑進滿室陽光與綠意。乘客們自在與鄰座聊天，悠閒地欣賞風景，搭乘輕軌，感受舒適優雅的移動方式！
象徵環保、省錢、綠能、慢活等先進價值的高雄輕軌終於上路了，這不僅是台灣城市運輸的新開始，更是高雄城市永續發展的具體實踐，歡迎大家一起來體驗輕快便利的新運具，體驗高雄的進步與美好。