Kaohsiung Light Rail’s traffic volume exceeded 10 million in the first three quarters, the first time since it became a circle

Kaohsiung's light rail traffic has exceeded 10 million passengers in the first three quarters of this year. (Photo by reporter Wang Rongxiang)

Kaohsiung Light Rail's traffic volume exceeded 10.72 million passengers in the first three quarters of this year, a 10.9% increase from the same period last year. It was also the first time that the number exceeded 10 million in the first three quarters since Chengyuan. It has the opportunity to challenge last year's 13.33 million passengers and update the full-year figures.

According to statistics from the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Company, which is entrusted to operate the light rail, the annual transportation volume of the light rail in the first year was 12.58 million, and the total transportation volume in the second year (2025) was 13.33 million. In the first two years of the construction, the original design target of 9.5 million passengers was exceeded.

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The Gao City Rapid Transit Bureau analyzed that the number of people using light rail to travel to school and seek medical treatment has grown significantly in the past two years, highlighting that light rail has gradually become a daily routine for many citizens in addition to sightseeing.

The Gaojie Light Rail has carried more than 10.72 million passengers in the first three quarters of this year. This is the first time since the establishment of the circle that the number of passengers has exceeded 10 million in the first three quarters. This is a significant increase of 10.9% from the 9.67 million passengers in the first three quarters of last year.

Gao Jie further compared the transportation volume in the third quarter of this year (summer vacation) to 3.51 million passengers, which was more than 3 million passengers in the third quarter of last year, a sudden increase of more than 500,000 passengers, an increase of 16.9%. The study concluded that it is related to the Kaohsiung City Government’s launch of popular venues such as Starlight Waterfront Park and Kaohsiung Parent-Child Paradise along the light rail, as well as the continuous crowds of iconic attractions such as the Kaohsiung Pop Music Center, Pier 2, and Art Museum along the light rail.

Gao Jie pointed out that there are many popular activities along the light rail lines in the fourth quarter of this year. He is optimistic about the annual transportation volume this year and has a good chance of updating the highest annual transportation volume figures.

Many citizens and tourists take the light rail to reach key scenic spots. (Photo by reporter Wang Rongxiang)

Every year during the Chinese New Year, long queues are common at light rail stations. (Photo by reporter Wang Rongxiang)

The My Neighbor Totoro Light Rail Tunnel has become a romantic attraction in Kaohsiung City. (Photo by reporter Wang Rongxiang)