【Kaohsiung News】On June 27, the Kaohsiung City Government convened a panel of experts and scholars to carry out the annual inspection and evaluation of the city’s rail transit system, ensuring the operational quality and safety of the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (KMRT) and Light Rail systems. Deputy Director-General of the Transportation Bureau, Mr. Liu Chien-Pang, who chaired the meeting, stated that since the completion of the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail, ridership has steadily increased, helping the city's public transportation mode share surpass 10%. With the future implementation of key transit projects such as the KMRT Yellow Line, Gangshan–Lujhu Extension, and the Siaogang–Linyuan Extension, public transportation usage is expected to continue rising, aligning with the long-term goal of sustainable operations for the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KRTC).
This year’s inspection and evaluation process resulted in 2 required improvements and 17 recommendations by the evaluation committee. These include repeated public feedback and issues such as the peeling of reflective strips on signal equipment enclosures at Light Rail Station C21. The attending experts and scholars also provided recommendations addressing equipment malfunctions and service disruptions caused by facility failures. Their suggestions aim to further enhance the operational quality of KMRT and Light Rail, and to attract more passengers through seamless integration with other transport modes, thereby offering more convenient services.
Since its launch, the KMRT system has continuously expanded its range of payment options and launched the “V-Kaohsiung” app, providing real-time train information, carriage crowding levels, timetable, fare and route queries. In addition, surveillance cameras were installed across all the train cars last year, and the air conditioning operating hours at underground stations have been extended to enhance passenger comfort and safety.
In 2024, KRTC achieved a surplus of approximately NT$70 million—its first post-pandemic profit—thanks to its efforts across various fronts. This year, the company has successfully handled large passenger flows during major concerts and events, such as those at the Main Stadium of the World Games and Kaohsiung Arena, as well as the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival’s “Chiikawa Winter Wonderland.” This demonstrates KRTC’s dual role in both city branding and ensuring efficient passenger transportation. The availability of a convenient rail transit system has contributed to enhancing Kaohsiung’s tourism quality and urban image.
KRTC has also continued to develop commercial potential by utilizing station spaces to attract foot traffic and business opportunities, including Mofan・Formosa Boulevard Mall, Kaohsiung Station’s "Kaohsiung Eki Ichiban-gai," and Sanduo Shopping District’s "SanDUO Mall." The company places high importance on employee training and operational procedures, conducting monthly internal drills and quarterly multi-disaster simulation exercises to safeguard passenger safety. Based on the evaluation findings, KRTC will further strengthen its infrastructure and services to enhance the overall quality of its transit offerings.
With the completion of the Circular Light Rail and the opening of MRT Gangshan Station, alongside developments such as TSMC’s establishment in the Nanzih Industrial Park, the Transportation Bureau launched the “Kaohsiung Urban Commuter Monthly Pass NT$399 Program” on April 27, 2023. The initiative continued to be promoted throughout 2024, significantly increasing MRT ridership. In 2024, the combined annual ridership for MRT and Light Rail reached 78.023 million, with a daily average of 213,000 passengers, marking an increase of 36,000 compared to 2023—a growth of 20%. In December 2024, weekday average ridership reached 257,000 up from 178,000 in April 2023, an increase of approximately 79,000 or 44.2%.
The Transportation Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the Kaohsiung Commuter Pass and enhancing multimodal transfers across MRT, Light Rail, city buses, intercity coaches, ferries, and YouBike. These efforts, integrated with major rail infrastructure developments, aim to create a more convenient, comfortable, and sustainable public transport environment, ensuring citizens a safer and more effortless travel experience.
