Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) and Japan’s Sanyo railway signed a ticket exchange agreement on Monday that award tourists with gift coupons.
Taiwan’s Yilan rail line and the Sanyo railway became sister lines last December. That’s because the two lines are a similar length and travel along the seashore. The agreement allowed day-pass holders from one railway to trade the pass in for one that could be used on the other line.
The two railways renewed their bond on Monday and are now also offering 1000-yen gift coupons to visitors who buy day passes for both lines between now and the end of March, 2017. The coupons can be used in certain restaurants, hotels and theme parks in Japan.
TRA Director-General Chou Yung-hui said the new promotion will benefit Taiwanese tourists travelling to Kansai, Japan.
“[The two railways] only offered ticket exchanges before," said Chou.
"This is the first time we are offering coupons for restaurants and other discounts. It offers lots of discounts for railways [in Japan]. I believe our new agreement will really help those who plan to travel from Taiwan to Kansai. The area offers great attractions, such as the Himeji Castle and the famous Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The seaside views near Kobe are gorgeous.”
TRA hopes the new promotion can also boost tourism in Taiwan.