By Eryk Michael Smith/Staff
KAOHSIUNG — A year after the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail (高雄輕軌) completed its full loop, the system that once seemed to generate a steady stream of fender benders is showing measurable improvement. According to the Kaohsiung City Government Rapid Transit Bureau (高雄市政府捷運工程局), the light rail recorded 24 collision incidents in 2025, down from 33 incidents in 2024, a 27 percent drop. (Yahoo News/Liberty Times)
Officials said the decline reflects a mix of signal upgrades, added warnings at key intersections, and stepped-up enforcement, while some residents offered a simpler explanation: people have finally gotten used to seeing a tram/train glide through city streets. (Yahoo News)
The Rapid Transit Bureau said it has strengthened safety measures at high-risk crossings by adding or improving traffic signals, installing warning lights and signage, and using audible alerts as trains enter intersections. (Yahoo News) A separate enforcement push has focused on violations that frequently lead to collisions, especially red light running and illegal movements near light rail crossings. (知新聞)
And, just to be clear, every police investigation to determine blame for light rail accident incidents attributed responsibility to drivers or pedestrians violating rules, not to the trains. (Yahoo News)
Ridership data suggests the system is also becoming less of a “tourist ride” and more of a daily tool. The Rapid Transit Bureau said 2025 ridership topped 13.33 million, with growth in commuting, transfers, school trips, and medical visits, indicating the light rail is increasingly part of routine city life. (Yahoo News)
Kaohsiung is far from a traffic nirvana, but as far as the light rail is concerned, the city is moving from a learning curve phase to a normalization phase. The rules remain unchanged: watch the signals, yield where required, and never attempt to “beat” a train. (Yahoo News)
