Renowned "Beep Beep" train makes its comeback in Taiwan.
The "Beep Beep Taiwan" EMU700 train, originally used in a tourism promotion campaign in Greater Tokyo, has made its way back to Taiwan. This special train, operated by Taiwan Railway Corporation, is adorned with a distinctive livery aimed at attracting tourists to the northeast and Yilan Coast areas.
The train, previously known as the "BiBiBiBi! Taiwan" train, was painted in a classic red reminiscent of Japan's Keikyu 1000 series trains. It features custom kanji characters showcasing popular Taiwanese products such as orchids, tea, and pineapples. The design, which won an award from the Tokyo Outdoor Advertising Association in March, was the inspiration behind bringing the train back to Taiwan for a six-month run starting in July.
The "Beep Beep Taiwan" train's journey will take it through destinations in Yilan, Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan. These areas, known for their natural and cultural appeal, are set to benefit from the increased tourism the train is expected to bring. The Tourism Administration, with a strategic focus on attracting more Japanese visitors to Taiwan, believes that the familiar and visually striking train design will resonate with visitors from Japan while showcasing Taiwan's unique regional specialties and landscapes.
The idea for the train's return was proposed by Tourism Administration Director-General Chen Yu-hsiu to her predecessor. The train was inaugurated at Shulin Station in New Taipei City and has now entered service. The tour, originally planned for three months, has been extended to six months to further promote local tourism in the northeast.
The Fulong International Sand Sculpture Arts Festival, ongoing and running until September 30, is one of the many attractions being highlighted as part of the tourism promotion. Other attractions related to the former mining town of Jioufen in New Taipei City are also being showcased.
Sources: [1] Taiwan News [2] Central News Agency
- The Tourism Administration, with a strategic focus on attracting more Japanese visitors to Taiwan, believes that the familiar and visually striking "Beep Beep Taiwan" train design, reminiscent of Japan's Keikyu 1000 series trains, will not only resonate with visitors from Japan but also showcase the unique regional specialties and landscapes of areas such as transportation hubs and the automotive industry in Taiwan.
- To finance the extended six-month run of the "Beep Beep Taiwan" train, which is expected to drive increased tourism in Yilan, Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan, the Taiwan Railway Corporation may seek support from the finance industry, recognizing the significant economic potential the EMU700 train could bring to the industry and the overall economy of northeast Taiwan.
