The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) yesterday introduced its first science fiction-themed train, featuring two “visitors from outer space desperate to travel on Taiwan’s tracks.”
TRA Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) said the train, called “Evolution No. 1001,” was remodeled from the one previously used by the agency’s directors to inspect railway routes, or serve as a temporary command center when the nation experienced a major natural disaster or catastrophic traffic accident.
The train’s registration number is DSC100l and its nickname is “TRA One,” after the name of the well-known presidential carrier Air Force One.
Photo: CNA
He said the remodeled locomotive would initially operate on branch lines in Pingsi (平溪), Neiwan (內灣) and Jiji (集集).
Inspired by the train’s registration number, the two “aliens” have been named “Mr Ten” and “Miss One.”
They were created by designer Akibo Lee (李明道), who wanted to tell the story of aliens trying to find a place to settle down by going on a railway tour.
Photo: Lo Pei-der, Taipei Times
“I am a father myself and I hope that more parents would take their children to travel with the aliens,” he said.
Mr Ten has a huge head containing all the maps to other galaxies, while Miss One has an antenna that is able to locate delicious food, Lee said. The couple have been traveling around the universe as backpackers, working to pay their dues.
They chose to travel to Earth this time and fell in love with Taiwan, Lee said.
The couple were particularly impressed by the railway system in Taiwan and decided to take a part-time job at the TRA, he said.
The alien couple can be seen on the exterior of the train as well as on restroom doors, no-smoking signs, wallpaper and seat headrest covers.
The railway operator will also sell memorabilia featuring images of the aliens, including lunch bags, lunch boxes and backpacks.
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