Taipingshan Train Resumes Operations After Six Years|停駛6年復修完成 太平山蹦蹦車復駛

Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area's Bong Bong Train stopped running six years ago. On the 19th, it began operating again. The six-year stoppage was due to three consecutive typhoons between 2012 and 2015 that severely damaged the rail slopes. Over NT$ 120 million was spent to restore the line. Tickets sold out within moments on the first day.


A red ribbon ball hangs from the first car of Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area's Bong Bong Train. Tourists applaud as the train pulls into the station.

Council of Agriculture Minister Lin Tsung-hsien announced the restoration of the rail line after six years. The first train of the day was filled to capacity with excited passengers. One passenger said she left her Hsinchu home at 4:30 a.m. to make sure she got a seat on the first train, which departed at 12:30 p.m.

I thought I should take advantage of the opportunity since who knows what will happen with the next typhoon or earthquake.

The rail line was built to transport timber and the train was nicknamed the Bong Bong train because of the sound it makes. The train runs on 76.2-centimeter-gauge tracks. There was once 3,600 kilometers of this gauge of track across Taiwan for the transport of commodities like timber, sugar and salt, which is even more extensive than Taiwan Railways and the high speed rail's networks today. These narrow-gauge tracks can now only be found here and on Alishan.

This used to be the lifeblood of industry. Today, it is a cultural route.

Taipingshan's 3-kilometer rail line is located 2,000 meters above sea level. The trip between Taipingshan Station and Maosing Station takes 20 minutes and takes passengers on a beautiful journey through forests developed over a century ago.