Two years ago, EZ Travel began to cooperate with Taiwan Rail, on developing tourism train packages. The first tourism train, Hotspring Princess, was inaugurated September 2001. Two months later, the second tourism train, the Kenting Star began its operation. Within a month, the two tourism trains were fully booked.
"The main reason Taiwan did not have train travel in the past was that even if you tried hard to get seats for your trip, you never knew if you could get a seat for the return journey. Also, you constantly had to cram yourself in with a whole car of commuters, or even soldiers returning home from their bases," Hsiao said. "But now, with the tourism trains, all these inconveniences will disappear. Your seats are guaranteed and are much more comfortable."
EZ Travel and Taiwan Rail's early steps at promoting train travel have also been boosted by a government national development policy. Last year, Premier Yu Hsyi-kun set forward a plan to promote tourism with the Doubling Project (觀光客倍增計劃) in the Challenge 2008: National Development Plan (2008國家發展重點計劃). It is intended to double the number of tourists to Taiwan from 1 million a year to 2 million a year by 2008, providing tourism trains is one of the main objectives.
"The DPP government has announced its support for tourism since Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) took his post. And county magistrates have been eager to promote tourism for the local economy. This is all very positive for travel businesses like us," Hsiao said.
Including the newly opened Southern Link Star, all three routes have been fully booked, Hsiao said. For weekend seats, one needs to make reservations at least one month ahead. For weekday seats it is also advised to book at least one week before departure. The reason for this is partly because of the limited amount of seats. Hotspring Princess has only 120 seats, Kenting Star and Southern Link Star have 153 and 172 respectively.
Another restriction is that tickets must be bought as part of a package tour. Tickets are only available at EZ Travel's main office or at its two booths, at Taipei Main Station and Kaohsiung Train Station. Tickets can also be purchased online.
For the Southern Link Star, a two-day, train-plus-hotel package, prices range from NT$1,990. A three-day travel package featuring Chihpen Hotspring and a one-day trip to Green Island costs from NT$4,990. There are also dozens of package deals, from two days to five days, available on the EZ Travel Web site.
Now that the three lines are linked up, Hsiao said, the Around-Taiwan Train Pass will be offered. Within 15 days, travelers can get on and off the tourism trains at any major train station. The pass is expected to be available next week.
So next time when you want to go scuba diving in Kenting or Green Island, or go rowing in Hualien's swift currents, or see the sunrise on Alishan Mountain, try taking the trains and enjoy the scenery. Just don't forget to book early.
RSS