Kaohsiung Light Rail has officially completed its circular route, becoming Taiwan’s first full-loop light rail system and seamlessly integrating into the city’s transportation network. In the first quarter of 2025, total ridership reached 3.68 million, with an average of 34,696 weekday riders and 43,132 weekend riders per day. This reflects continued growth in ridership since the completion of the circular line, with the system now fully embedded in everyday urban life—not only reinforcing its role in tourism but also serving as a vital means of commuting and school transport.

According to the Mass Rapid Transit Bureau, the completion of the full loop connects major attractions such as the Pier-2 Art Center, Dream Mall, and Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, while also serving school campuses, business districts, and medical centers. It is well-integrated with MRT lines, buses, and Taiwan Railways, offering smoother transfers. In March 2025, eight stations near popular schools saw a total of 236,021 student commuters, a 34% year-over-year increase. Likewise, eight major tourist stations recorded 308,652 riders in March—up 13% from the previous year—highlighting the success of Kaohsiung’s city marketing efforts in driving holiday and tourism-related traffic.

To improve service quality and peak-hour capacity, the Mass Rapid Transit Bureau has initiated a train procurement plan to reduce headways and ensure adequate spare parts for stable operations and maintenance. Passengers are encouraged to download the “V Kaohsiung” app for real-time schedule, fare, and route information, contributing to a safer, more convenient, and eco-friendly public transit environment with light rail at the core of Kaohsiung’s urban mobility.

Kaohsiung Light Rail has actively rolled out a range of creative marketing campaigns and ride incentive programs, including themed trains in collaboration with popular IPs and major events. Highlights include the 2025 Kaohsiung Wonderland Chiikawa-themed train, a Netflix Squid Game 2 train, and a Megaport Music Festival-themed train. These visually striking designs generate buzz while enriching the riding experience and fostering a greater sense of engagement among passengers. Beyond transportation, the Kaohsiung Light Rail has become a leading model for international urban exchange, hosting delegations from Toronto, Kumamoto, and various Japanese and Taiwanese cities. Through immersive ride experiences and guided tours, Kaohsiung showcases its achievements in green mobility and bolsters its city brand. More than just a transit system, the light rail serves as a moving cityscape that connects daily life, scenery, and memories, inviting riders to experience the evolving rhythm of Kaohsiung over the past decade.