Alishan Forest Railway to Resume Service Tomorrow
Taiwan Railways Administration(TRA) Alishan Forest Railway Management Office announced today that normal services on the Alishan Railway would resume tomorrow, June 27, after improvements to the track and rolling stock have been completed.
Services were suspended on the mountain line March 12, after a series of four derailment accidents in January and February this year. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications Railway Bureau conducted preliminary inspections on June 14, and the improvement program was completed June 25. Trial operations began today, June 26.
Some of the problems experienced on the line were related to mudslides, poor drainage, and rotten sleepers. The rolling stock also was found to have worn parts that needed to be replaced.
One July 1, responsibility for the Alishan Forest Railway will be handed over to the newly established Alishan Forestry Railway and Cultural Assets Management Office, under the Forestry Bureau. The scenic mountain railway has been plagued with operating problems, including high operating costs while managed as a BOT, then under the TRA.
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I wanted to buy the ticket in their website but It says the presale has not yet started. Do you know how I can but a ticket?
http://alishan.railway.gov.tw/ this website.
I assume anything under railway.gov.tw won’t work anymore as the Alishan Railway has been handed over to the Forestry Bureau.
I’ve contacted the bureau for advice on this question.
Thank you. I appreciate it.