Mayor Visits Maokong, Takes a Ride on the Gondola
Mayor Hau Lung-bin said he is very pleased with the Maokong Gondola after taking a ride on the aerial lift on April 5. He informed the media that Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation plans to add more “glass” gondola cabins, making the facility more appealing to tourists.
Visitor turnout at the Maokong Gondola stations during Tomb Sweeping Festival was higher than expected. He believes that the good weather brought many people to the Muzha area – one of the best places in Taipei to go for fresh mountain air.
As he waited in line, the mayor took the opportunity to promote the refurbished Camphor Trail in Maokong to other visitors. A mere 200-meter walk from the Gondola Maokong Station, the Camphor Trail allows travelers to enjoy a great view of the surrounding countryside and the Maokong Gondola itself.
Responding to media question on whether President Ma Ying-jeou will ride the gondola, Hau remarked that any visit by the president will require heightened security measures, resulting in inconvenience for other passengers. With this in mind, the president will schedule a trip at a time with the least amount of impact on services.
Regarding concerns about female passengers in skirts running the risk of being “exposed” when taking the glass car, the mayor stressed that it is not possible for direct views from the cabins behind or in front of the glass car. Furthermore, views from underneath are unlikely because the route of the gondola does not cross path with established walkways in the vicinity.