CHIAYI (TVBS News) — The century-old Alishan Forest Railway (阿里山林業鐵路), which suffered severe typhoon damage and had been out of service for 15 years, is set to fully resume operations on July 6 following the completion of the new Tunnel No. 42.
Online reservations for the first train, along with tickets for July 6-16, started at 2 p.m. on Tuesday (July 2). The full fare from Chiayi to Alishan will be NT$600.
The new timetable will feature four daily services, including a 9 a.m. departure from Chiayi Station to Shizilu railway station (十字路車站), a 10 a.m. service from Chiayi Station to Alishan railway station (阿里山車站), an 11:50 a.m. train from Alishan Station to Chiayi Station, and a 2 p.m. service from Shizilu Station to Chiayi Station.
Office deputy director-general Chou Heng-kai (周恆凱) of the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office (阿里山林業鐵路及文化資產管理處) stated that the Alishan Forest Railway fares have not been adjusted yet. He added that the Railway and Cultural Heritage Office had purchased nine new locomotive heads and 48 carriages, which are expected to join operations in the second half of 2025. A fare review will then be considered.