DistantNews
Support us
🇹🇼 Taiwan /Economy & Trade

Kaohsiung's first light rail development project to spur $310 million investment

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Kaohsiung launched its first light rail joint development project, C34, aiming to attract private investment.
  • The project is expected to stimulate approximately NT$10.2 billion (US$310 million) in private investment.
  • The development envisions a "whole-life health and comfortable living park" near medical and educational facilities.

Kaohsiung has initiated its first light rail joint development project, C34, marking a significant step for the city's urban development and public transportation integration. The project, which held its integrity platform establishment conference and investment promotion meeting, attracted over 10 companies, signaling strong industry interest.

Vice Mayor Lin Chin-jung announced that the C34 station joint development project is estimated to drive around NT$10.2 billion (US$310 million) in private investment. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as it is the first such project following the completion of Kaohsiung's light rail loop. A similar investment promotion meeting held in Taipei the previous week also saw enthusiastic participation from over 10 companies.

The core vision for this development is a "whole-life health and comfortable living park." The site is strategically located north of the planned AI medical research and teaching base for the National Chung Hsing University's College of Medicine. Its proximity to the light rail system offers convenient access to the Bureau of Health, municipal Chinese medicine hospitals, Min Sheng Hospital, and Kai Xuan Hospital, highlighting excellent medical resource integration.

Kaohsiung's light rail system has seen a dramatic increase in ridership, reaching 13.33 million passenger trips in 2025, a 72% increase from 2023. The system has transformed from a "tourism vehicle" into a "public transport for all," with significant growth in transfers, commuting, and medical-related travel.

The project covers approximately 3,917 ping (about 12,950 square meters) of land designated for MRT development, with a statutory plot ratio of 630%. This allows for a developable volume of about 36,000 square meters, excluding parking spaces. The tender information was announced on June 1, with submissions due by October 30 this year.

The light rail C34 station joint development project is estimated to drive around NT$10.2 billion in private investment.

— Lin Chin-jungVice Mayor Lin Chin-jung announcing the projected private investment for the project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog