By RK Shih/Staff
KAOHSIUNG — A newly marked pedestrian corridor near Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station (左營高鐵站) has reduced traffic accidents by roughly 50 percent within just over two months of completion, according to Kaohsiung’s Transportation Bureau (高雄市交通局).
The improvements were carried out along Chongsin Road (重信路), a key approach to the station. Despite nearly two decades of HSR operations, the road previously lacked a dedicated pedestrian space.
The project, launched in late 2025, introduced painted sidewalks on both sides of the road, along with areas for short-term parking. The redesign also included narrowing car lanes, as well as the addition of a left-turn lane. Traffic bollards were installed at intersections to prevent vehicles from encroaching on pedestrian areas.
Officials said the results have been immediate: accident numbers have dropped by about half, while public satisfaction surveys show roughly 80% approve of the redesign. A similar proportion of respondents said they support expanding such pedestrian-focused upgrades across the city.
Initial resistance from some local businesses gave way after consultations with city officials, who argued that improved street design benefits both safety and long-term urban livability.
The bureau pointed to international comparisons, noting that traffic fatality rates in South Korea are roughly half of Taiwan’s, while Japan’s are significantly lower — outcomes often linked to consistent investment in road engineering and pedestrian infrastructure.
Following the early success, the city plans to expand parking-protected sidewalks and intersection safety features, as part of a broader push toward more pedestrian-friendly urban design.
Photo: Pedestrian safety improvements along Chongsin Road near Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station. (Source: Kaohsiung City Transportation Bureau; photo by Claudius)
