Transportation is a crucial part in the development of a commercial or shopping district. No prosperous city can exist without convenient transportation. For international metropolises, convenient transportation system keeps the flow of crowds moving smoothly around the city and subsequently promotes commercial activities. Therefore, a well-run transportation system is urgent for a prosperous SSD.

Phenomena of transportation in SSD

Currently, before the completion of the KRT and the KLR, cars and scooters are indeed the most convenient for the public moving about in the city. After all, they offer the direct link without the hassle of transferring and waiting in line. The high mobility of cars and scooters makes them the first choice of transportation for most residents in Kaohsiung. However, the great number of cars and scooters on the roads has caused serious air and noise pollution as well as traffic problems. Careless parking of scooters on the sidewalks is dangerous and seriously deprives the right of pedestrians. Moreover, it may consequently damp consumers’ enthusiasm for shopping in the SSD. 

Transforming the transportation in SSD

For the health of consumers and a better shopping environment, cars and scooter should be replaced with bikes or walking within the SSD. Outsides the SSD, increasing the rate of riding public transportation will improve the overall environment in Kaohsiung. Therefore, it is important for the city government to build a more efficient and convenient public transportation system to encourage more people give up on cars and scooters. 

Life with new transportation 

As the Taiwan High Speed Rail makes the dream of day trips between the two major metropolises of Taipei and Kaohsiung a reality, the KRT and the KLR will provide visitors from other cities a smooth and fast ride to the SSD. When the overall environment is improved, Kaohsiung will draw more visitors from other cities. They will be able to enjoy the high-quality life as much as Kaohsiung residents on their day trip to Kaohsiung.

 Generally speaking, the SSD is currently restructured to accommodate the massive use of cars and scooters. The Kaohsiung City Bus system is steadily being improved. Although the construction of the KRT forces the Kaohsiung City Bus (KCB) to change some bus routes, the number of bus passengers in the SSD is increasing. As for the air transportation, the Kaohsiung International Airport is functioning better than before. The expansion project on the Kaohsiung Harbor improves not only the ocean shipping business but also tourism. Besides, the waterfront renovation project not only gives Kaohsiung a new look but also improve the transportation in these areas. In the near future, people can easily access to the SSD and have a delightful shopping trip. 

As more means of transportation are provided in Kaohsiung, there will be more routes carrying people to the SSD. The improved transportation will bring a brighter future to the SSD. Obviously, the connection between the KRT and Taiwan HSR will offer visitors abundant time to stroll in the SSD. The transportation network will make the SSD not only a shopping heaven, but also a prosperous center of trade and multi-cultures.