“The room represents an ongoing commitment by Taiwan Railways Administration to providing services and facilities of an international standard,” TMS Station Master Chien Shin-li said. “We plan to establish another at Taoyuan Train Station in the first half of this year.”
Measuring 72 square feet, the simply decorated room features polished wooden floors, two prayer rugs, a directional sign and nearby foot-washing facilities. It is situated on B1 in the northeastern corner of the station near the entrance to the Taipei Metro Tamsui-Xinyi Line.
Signs bearing the star crescent are present throughout the station guiding passengers to the room.
According to Chien, the facility was designed in consultation with Taipei City-based Chinese Muslim Association. “After the end of last year’s three-day Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, both sides decided more needed to done in catering for the needs of local devotees,” he said.
“And once Taoyuan International Airport Line is up and running in the second half of this year, we expect the station to see significantly more international visitors. It is important to make everyone feel welcome, especially the large number of workers from Southeast Asia who regularly gather on Sundays.”
CMA Assistant Secretary Ieman Tsai praised the launch of the room and said it is yardstick of how far Taiwan has come in terms of opening to the world.
It is estimated there are up to 300,000 Muslims in Taiwan, with Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport previously the only public transportation hub catering to their needs with four prayer rooms. (WY-JSM)
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