Taiwan Today
Date: May 6, 2016
Taiwan Railways Administration and Enoshima Electric Railway Co. Ltd. in Japan renewed early May
Taiwan’s mountainous Pingxi Line in New Taipei City is proving popular with rail enthusiasts from Japan. (Courtesy of TRA)
for 11 months an agreement allowing passengers to enjoy reciprocal one-day tourist pass privileges, underscoring the strength of the growing rail tourism market in both countries.
“Railway cultures form significant tourist draws,” said TRA Director-General Joe Chou regarding the state-run operator’s recent moves to enhance awareness of railway attractions through overseas exchange programs, adding that TRA efforts reflect “a revival of interest in the country’s railway systems,” which dates back to the final years of the Qing dynasty (1684-1895).
The agreement, which has run annually since May 2013, covers TRA’s 12.9-kilometer Pingxi Line in New Taipei City and privately owned EER’s 10-kilometer line in Kanagwa prefecture, part of the Greater Tokyo Area. The former passes through the historic mountainous districts of Ruifang and Pingxi, a famous spot in northern Taiwan for launching “sky lanterns” or small hot air balloons as part of traditional festivities, while the latter connects Kamakura and Fujisawa cities in an area renowned for its beaches, mountains, shrines and restaurants.
Both railways are popular with sightseers and close to the respective capitals of Taipei and Tokyo. The tie-up is part of ongoing TRA efforts to boost links with Japanese railway lines, stations and trains through a series of tourism promotion and marketing initiatives. [FULL STORY]
