The Tourism Administration of the MOTC collaborated with Taiwan Railway Corporation, Ltd. to launch the first themed color-painted train, "Siraya", in the new year.-Siraya National Scenic Area Headquarters

The first themed color-painted train of the year, “SIRAYA”, officially departed today under the collaboration of the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), and the State-owned Taiwan Railway Corporation, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the TRC) today!

The “SIRAYA” unveiled yesterday (on the 22nd) at Shulin Station was driven to Tainan Station. Present at the event were Mayor of Tainan Huang Wei-cher; Deputy Director-General Lin Hsin-jen from the Tourism Administration, MOTC; Vice President Liu Shuang-huo from the TRC; Director Hsu Cheng-neng from the the Siraya National Scenic Area Headquarters; Director Lin Kuo-hua from the Tourism Bureau, Tainan City Government; Director Jeffrey S.C. HSIAO from Southwestern Taiwan Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Deputy CEO Liu Mi-shan from the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Joint Services Center, Executive Yuan; Deputy Director Wang Wen-chieh from the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area Headquarters; Deputy Director Hung Chao-chang from the Southwest Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters; Deputy Director Li I-tsang from the Maolin National Scenic Area Headquarters; Deputy Director Wu Yuan-fu from the Mechanical Division, TRC; Director Chen Jung-pin from the Business Division, TRC; Director Chen Wen-chuan from the Southern Region Branch Office, TRC; Manager Tung A-cheng from the NKUHT Branch Office, Affiliate Operations Division, TRC; the office of Legislator Kuo Kuo-wen; the office of Legislator Chen Ting-fei; the office of Legislator Lin Chun-hsien; Chairman Weng Ting-fang from the Taiwan Tourism and Leisure Industry Association; Chairman Lin Hsien-tang from the Tainan Hot Spring Association; and, along with several players from the tourism sector, jointly attended the kick-off ceremony and witnessed the official launch of the SIRAYA. In the future, SIRAYA will travel between Chiayi and Pingtung, traversing numerous scenic areas. All citizens are welcome to board SIRAYA, heading to Tainan to partake in the Taiwan Lantern Festival and other major events, and subsequently explore various scenic spots in southern Taiwan, immersing themselves in diverse cultures and embarking on a sustainable travel journey.

SIRAYA, designed by Li Ming-dao (AKIBO), an artist and the creator of the identification system for Tainan 400, draws inspiration from the idea of dressing trains in sweaters during the chilly spring. For this project, Li has employed digital 3D weaving technology to showcase various warm and affectionate patterns, including “I LOVE TAIWAN”, “SIRAYA”, smiley faces, hearts, flames, and more. The design also incorporates elements representing the distinctive scenic spots of six national scenic areas in southern Taiwan, namely Siraya, Southwest Coast, Maolin, Alishan, Penghu, and Dapeng Bay national scenic areas. SIRAYA is set to embark on its journey starting today, accompanying everyone through the Lunar New Year, lantern festival, Valentine's Day, and other significant holidays.

Vice President of TRC, Liu Shuang-huo, also announced that the SIRAYA railway boxed lunch will be available for purchase during the Taiwan Lantern Festival period from January 23 to February 29, 2024. Priced at NT$120, this special boxed lunch can be bought at “Taiwan Railway Boxed Lunch Stores” located in Taiwan Railway's Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Xinzuoying stations, as well as THSR's Tainan and Xinzuoying stations. The boxed lunch features a delectable spicy New Orleans-style chicken thigh cutlet as the main course, accompanied by side dishes made with ingredients sourced from Tainan and Kaohsiung. It also includes fragrant rice made from small millet and other flavorful local specialties. Additionally, at the aforementioned boxed lunch stores, people can purchase the round stainless steel lunch box imprinted with "I love Taiwan" starting from February 16, 2024. This lunch box is specially designed with the painted train as the main visual and comes with exclusive packaging. Priced at NT$399 each, this limited-quantity item will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone is welcome to make a purchase before stocks run out.

Mayor of Tainan, Huang Wei-cher, expressed that this train adorned in a sweater feels incredibly happy and warm during this cold winter. Highlighting Tainan's recognition by CNN Travel as one of the 24 places tourists should consider when making their 2024 travel plans, he also extends a warm welcome to people from all nations, both domestic and international, to board this love-filled painted train and visit Tainan.

Deputy Director-General Lin Hsin-jen of the Tourism Administration, MOTC, stated that this train signifies the initial collaboration between the newly restructured Tourism Administration and the recently publicly listed TRC. Moreover, he highlighted the recent relocation of the Siraya National Scenic Area Headquarters to Guantian, emphasizing its continued commitment to serving the people of the nation. This relocation is the reason why this special project is presented with the "Siraya" themed color-painted train. Lin emphasized that, aligning with the core concepts of the Tourism Administration "helping others for the greater good" and "teamwork", the Administration aims to strengthen cross-domain connections and collaborations. The goal is to enhance regional travel, facilitate collaboration and joint governance in the tourism sector, and promote partnerships between private sectors and local governments to boost the local tourism industrial chain. He also encourages everyone to take the SIRAYA train to Tainan and experience the 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival.