TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung’s light rail received the Outstanding Transport Plan Award from Taiwan’s association of transport professionals on Saturday.

Taiwan’s Chinese Institute of Transportation awarded the city for the 22-kilometer, 38-station transport system that served 10.31 million passengers in October, per CNA. The institute granted the award at its annual meeting when it discussed academic research on transport systems around the globe.

Kaohsiung MRT Director Wu Chia-chang (吳嘉昌) said winning the award affirms the city government and residents' efforts to create a safe and comfortable transport system. Wu said the system will continue using AI and other technologies to improve the system’s efficiency and Kaohsiung’s transport environment overall.

Wu noted that Kaohsiung’s light rail system was the first in Taiwan. He said the system does not use overhead powerlines, and the grass and overhead trees along the line create a “green tunnel” connecting the city.