Hello Kitty fans have something to go crazy about as Taiwan launched its first ever Taroko Express train themed after the white Japanese Bobtail cat with a red bow on its head on Monday.

The train set off from the Shulin train station and is heading towards Taitung on the east coast route. The newest train is equipped with eight carriages designed with different head-turning themes of Japan's iconic character.

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Aside from its equally unique and attention-grabbing appearance, its interior including seatbacks, headrest and serving carts are stunningly themed after the icon Hello Kitty as well. Even meal boxes are wrapped with Hello Kitty drawstring bags that are sold at US$3.65 each.

The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) will also give out stylized commemorative tickets during the inaugural run. Tickets will bear the words "Commemoration of the inaugural run of the Hello Kitty train." Tickets will appear retro as it will resemble like an old ticket that has been printed out almost three decades ago.

TRA also revealed its plan to display Hello Kitty merchandise and add more themed trains soon.

The TRA will reportedly launch two regular Hello Kitty-themed trains every Friday and weekends after April 21 to cope with the public's demand, according to Focus Taiwan. Meanwhile, prior to the said date, two trains will be unveiled - one en route on April 2 from New Taipei's Shulin to Taitung and the other on April 5 from Shulin to Hualien's Yuli. 

TRA is reportedly working with Sanrio Co to release the especially themed Taroko Express Train, which is Taiwan's first passenger-carrying train that features renowned cartoon icon Hello Kitty. The TRA hopes that Taiwan's latest cheerful train will increase train travel.

TagsTaiwan, train, railway, Hello Kitty, Sanrio Co