Danhai light rail features captivating art installations

2020/05/04

Since commencing operations in December 2018, Danhai Light Rail Transit System in New Taipei City’s Tamsui District has become a big draw for locals and visitors alike. Its first section, the 7.3-kilometer, 11-station Green Mountain line, starts at Hongshulin Station on Taipei metro’s Tamsui-Xinyi line.
 
 Riding DLRTS was a memorable experiences for German traveler Veronika Kiselev during her first visit to Taiwan in October last year. “It’s clean, convenient, offers great views of Mt. Guanyin and the Tamsui River, and the stations are adorned with beautiful artworks by [Taiwan author-illustrator] Jimmy Liao,” she said.
 
 Tourists like Kiselev are not the only ones wowed by DLRTS. Danny Wu, an undergraduate at Tamkang University in Tamsui, is an unabashed fan. “The commute is a joy,” he said. “It’s much preferable to taking the bus and sitting in traffic.”

A major characteristic of the GML is that it is the first rail transportation route in Taiwan decorated in accordance with a central theme, displaying pieces by one artist in all of its stations. Liao, who is better known to his legions of fans in Taiwan and overseas as Jimmy, has published 60-plus works. Some have been adapted into animations, films, musicals and TV series, with translations available in 20 languages.
 
 Jimmy created a picture book especially for the project. “Sometimes Sometimes” takes readers on a journey of color and sound, a process akin to riding the GML and hopping off at one of the stations to enjoy bronze sculptures inspired by the vivid imagination of one of Taiwan’s most talented artists.
 
 The main character in “Sometimes Sometimes” is A-gei, a young girl named after a mouthwatering dish synonymous with Tamsui comprising glass noodles wrapped in fried tofu and sealed with surimi. She is recognizable by her ever-present top hat and entourage of animal friends like caterpillars, rabbits and squirrels.
 
 According to Jimmy, the meaning of the hat is open to interpretation, but many believe it represents hopes and wishes. “My vision is for A-gei to take travelers on a flight of fancy,” he said. “Passengers can close their eyes for a moment and think of nice things.”

The philosophy behind the decision to integrate art into the GML stations is positivity personified: enrich the user experience while strengthening neighborhood identity and vitality, said Lee Cheng-an, commissioner of New Taipei City Government’s Department of Rapid Transit Systems. “Stations are more than just places to wait for a train,” he said. “They’re platforms for cultural education and deepening human connections.”
 
Jimmy’s creations are aesthetically pleasing and convey a real sense of warmth. They are intended to be fully interactive so people can admire, touch and even sit on them. The Jimmy factor is responsible for an average 50 percent increase in GML ridership during weekends and holidays compared with weekdays, according to the commissioner. The result has not gone unnoticed by other public transit operators around Taiwan, with many sending fact-finding teams to find out more before rolling out similar initiatives.
 
 The commissioner, who welcomes interest in DLRTS, said New Taipei is not prepared to rest on its laurels. “We’ll continue boosting the appeal of public transport through a multipronged approach centered on aesthetics, convenience, reliability and upgraded rider experience.”

The art installations are attributed by New Taipei City's Department of Rapid Transit Systems for a 50 percent spike in GML ridership during weekends and holidays compared with weekdays.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)