Danhai Light Rail Transit System is proving popular on the back of silky smooth services and captivating art installations.
One of the most memorable experiences for German traveler Veronika Kiselev on her first visit to Taiwan in October last year was riding Danhai Light Rail Transit System (DLRTS) in New Taipei City’s Tamsui District. “It’s clean, convenient, offers great views of Mt. Guanyin and Tamsui River, and the stations are adorned with beautiful artworks by Taiwan author-illustrator Jimmy Liao [幾米],” she said.
DLRTS commenced operations in December 2018. Its first section, the 7.3-kilometer, 11-station Green Mountain Line (GML), starts at Hongshulin Station on Taipei metro’s Tamsui-Xinyi Line. Around 10,000 passengers use the service per day, with wait times of 6 minutes during peak periods, down from an average of 15 minutes in July.
Workers at Taiwan Rolling Stock Co. in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu County put their backs into DLRTS construction and assembly. (Photos courtesy of Taiwan Rolling Stock Co.)
Tourists like Kiselev are not the only ones wowed by DLRTS. Danny Wu (吳奕德), an undergraduate at Tamkang University in Tamsui, is an unabashed fan. “The commute is a joy,” he said. “It’s why I swapped the bus and traffic jams for a fast-track trip with benefits.”
Local Factor
The secret of DLRTS’s success is said to lie in its homegrown trains. Produced by Taiwan Rolling Stock Co. (TRSC), The Warrior is a five-unit, low-floor tram capable of carrying 265 passengers and reaching a top speed of 70 kph. It also boasts signature LED, or light-emitting diode, interior and exterior lighting.
TRSC—based in Hsinchu County, northern Taiwan—partnered with Germany-headquartered Leadec Industrial Services during The Warrior’s prototype design and assembly process. Company President Lee Shyh-jye (李世傑) said TRSC gained valuable know-how in the key areas of design, electromechanical systems, testing and certification standards. “We’re now better equipped to bid for large-scale contracts at home and abroad.”
Established in 2002 by Taiwan’s China Steel Corp. and Tang Eng Iron Works in collaboration with Japan’s Nippon Sharyo and Sumitomo Corp., TRSC specializes in electric multiple units, locomotives and wagons. Its high-quality rolling stock is employed by historic Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways Administration and urban metro systems.
Taiwan author-illustrator Jimmy Liao is the brains behind GML’s companion picture book “Sometimes Sometimes.” (Photo courtesy of Locus Publishing Co.)
Other projects in the pipeline for the company include DLRTS’s second section Blue Ocean Line, as well as Ankeng Light Rail in New Taipei’s Xindian District. The former is a 6.7-kilometer line connecting Tamsui and Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf stations, while the latter is a 7.5-kilometer line between Erbazi Botanical Garden and Shisizhang stations. Completion of the lines is scheduled for 2024 and 2021, respectively.
Growth Potential
According to Lee, TRSC prioritizes local parts and services over those from abroad as part of efforts to spur the development of related industries. “DLRTS is a flagship venture in this regard,” he said, citing the creation of a skilled workforce and internationally competitive supplier base.
There is still a way to go before Taiwan can punch above its weight in the global railways tenders market. “Greater domestic demand is key to realizing economy of scale and taking partnerships with suppliers to the next level,” Lee said. “Once this cornerstone is in place, cost advantages can be leveraged and the job opportunities will flow.”
Similar sentiments are espoused by Lee Cheng-an (李政安), commissioner of the Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) at New Taipei City Government. “Domestically produced systems and services are crucial,” he said. “Yet, they must be implemented uniformly so as to streamline maintenance and repair while delivering savings across the board.”
The commissioner sees Taiwan’s proficiency in manufacturing electronic components and machinery equipment as another asset ripe for utilization. Many firms are showcasing their capacities to great effect on the Green Mountain and Blue Ocean lines, he said, adding that this experience is boosting confidence and generating interest abroad.
Artistic Approach
But technology is not GML’s sole claim to fame. It is the first rail transportation route in Taiwan decorated in accordance with a central theme, as well as displaying the pieces of one artist in all stations. Liao, who is better known to his legions of fans in Taiwan and overseas as Jimmy, has published 60-plus works. Some have been adapted into animations, films, musicals and TV series, with translations available in 20 languages.
Jimmy’s sculptures at GML stations are designed to be admired, touched and even sat upon. (Photos by Pang Chia-shan and courtesy of Xiao Ji)
Jimmy created a picture book especially for the project. “Sometimes Sometimes” takes readers on a journey of color and sound, a process akin to riding the GML and hopping off at the stations to enjoy bronze sculptures inspired by the vivid imagination of one of Taiwan’s most talented artists.
During the creative process, Jimmy conducted many field surveys before incorporating local features and flavors into his pieces. This allows the art to better connect people and places, as well as introduce visitors to the beauty of Tamsui via the stations doubling as museums without walls.
The main character in “Sometimes Sometimes” is A-gei, a young girl named after a mouthwatering dish synonymous with Tamsui. The tasty treat comprises glass noodles wrapped in fried tofu and sealed with surimi. She is recognizable by her ever-present top hat and entourage of animal friends like caterpillars, rabbits and squirrels.
Two bus stations near GML feature Jimmy’s works. (Photos by Pang Chia-shan)
According to Jimmy, the meaning of the hat is open to interpretation, but many believe it represents hopes and wishes. “My vision is for A-gei to take travelers on a flight of fancy,” he said. “Passengers can close their eyes for a moment and think of nice things.”
Community Bonds
Jimmy’s creations are aesthetically pleasing and convey a real sense of warmth, the commissioner said. “His pieces are intended to be fully interactive so people can admire, touch and even sit on them.”
The philosophy behind the decision to integrate art into the GML stations is positivity personified: enrich user experiences while strengthening a neighborhood’s identity and vitality. “Stations are more than just places to wait for a train,” the commissioner said. “They’re platforms for cultural education and deepening human connections.”
Jimmy’s creations also occupy seats in select GML services. (Photos courtesy of DORTS)
According to DORTS, the Jimmy factor is responsible for an average 50 percent increase in GML ridership during weekends and holidays over weekdays. The result has not gone unnoticed by other public transit operators around Taiwan, with many sending fact-finding teams to get the good oil on rolling out similar initiatives.
The commissioner, who welcomes interest in DLRTS, said New Taipei is not prepared to rest on its laurels. “We’ll continue boosting the appeal of public transport through a multipronged approach centered on aesthetics, convenience, reliability and upgraded rider experience.”
Write to Kelly Her at kher@mofa.gov.tw
Captivating art installations are attributed by New Taipei City's Department of Rapid Transit Systems for a 50 percent spike in GML ridership during weekends and holidays over weekdays. (Photo courtesy of Yu Shih-yang)