| The Kaohsiung light rail system will go into operation. This new important transportation artery will begin its trial operations from October, 2015. During this trial, passengers can ride for free between C1 Lizihnei and C4 Kaisyuan Jhonghua stations. The light rail system is not only Taiwan's first, but a pioneer by adopting catenary-free route. Kaohsiung's Mayor Chen Chu believes the light rail system will be a great catalyst in moving the city forward. Just as Kaohsiung's original growth stemmed from the success of its harbor, the port area's recent transformation has created some fascinating results. One is Pier-2 Art Center; another is the city's ongoing urban development program, Asia's New Bay Area. Kaohsiung's cultural assets have expanded in recent years. Reading and art are becoming more accessible in all corners of the city thanks to book-reading and art-outreach activities, as well as the Cloud Gate 2 in Kaohsiung program. A multifunctional theater, the Wei-Wu-Ying Center for the Arts, due to be completed by the end of 2016, is already catching the world's attention. Pier-2 Art Center is the most popular hotspot of culture and creativity in Kaohsiung. In 2001, a group of artists lobbied for this abandoned warehouse complex beside the harbor to be turned into a cultural facility. The city government's involvement since 2006 has given Pier-2 a new life through a series of exhibitions and events. The old and the new have been perfectly integrated; mottled warehouse buildings bring out the city's artistic and cultural side, and the power of creativity shines strong. In the past, Taiwan's economy depended on Kaohsiung's petrochemical and heavy industry. However, it has taken a toll on the city's environment. Today, Kaohsiung is transforming its economy from heavy industry into one that is based on tourism, environment, culture and creativity. The city's transportation systems are a key factor in making such transformations possible. The light rail system will certainly give a strong boost to Kaohsiung's effort in becoming a greener city and developing its tourism sector. "Pollution, combined with overdevelopment, has caused droughts, floods and extreme weather. Therefore, Kaohsiung has had no choice but to develop more green initiatives", explains Mayor Chen Chu. The light rail system provides tourists with a new way of exploring Kaohsiung, making it easy to take in its beautiful scenery and landmarks. With its interconnected circular line, it will not only complement the existing bus lines but also the Mass Rapid Transit's Red and Orange lines. Passengers can easily access Asia's New Bay Area such as Kaohsiung's beautiful bay-front Main Public Library, the Maritime Cultural & Popular Music Center, Kaohsiung Exhibition Center and the Kaohsiung Port Terminal. The route also includes the older more traditional areas, such as the revitalized century-old historical buildings in the Yancheng and Hamasen Districts. It will connect Kaohsiung's past and present with its new buildings and historical local culture. "Kaohsiung's light rail system will carry our city forward! Come and see Kaohsiung's transformation and beauty!" says Mayor Chen. | 
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