Bookings have opened for the one-of-a-kind Vivid Express, which will run along Chiayi’s Alishan starting May 24. The newly remodeled train features a transparent cockpit and seats that swivel 360 degrees. It’s being managed by a travel agency, which will also offer tours on the Formosensis train later this summer. The launch of the two trains comes ahead of the full reopening of the Alishan Forest Railway on July 1.

The Alishan Forest Railway’s Vivid Express pulls into the platform.

Its design is inspired by the plumage of the collared bush robin, a bird commonly found in Alishan. The seats can swivel 360 degrees, so that passengers can soak in the view.

Passenger
It’s quite novel. It’s great. The seats rotate 360 degrees.

Passenger
This is a fully remodeled train. They even have a tour guide to talk us through the sights. It feels quite fresh and the service is great.

The Vivid Express will start operations on May 24. The Formosensis, which has already completed its trials, will enter service in June or July. Both trains are managed by a travel agency under a six-year license. Packaged tours are on offer.

Huang Min-hui
Chiayi City mayor
What we’re going after right now is quality, not quantity. The launch of the Vivid Express marks the beginning of this pursuit of quality.

Due to heavy damage from Typhoon Morakot and Typhoon Dujuan, service on the Alishan Forest Railway has been limited for 15 years. Last year, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency rebuilt the railway’s Tunnel No. 42, paving the way for a full reopening by July 1 of this year.

In light of a recent string of earthquakes, the railway operator plans to use ground-penetrating radar to monitor the tracks in the future.

Huang Miao-hsiu
Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office head
Before we start operations each day, every line on the rail will be inspected by our team. We will conduct a thorough check after any earthquake above a Level 3. If an earthquake occurs during an inspection, we’ll run the inspection again to ensure safety.

The Vivid Express and Formosensis will be extra services that won’t affect the existing timetable, the rail operator says. Once they’re up and running, each train will make one round trip each day, giving visitors a new way to experience Alishan.

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