On the list of global icons of weirdly enduring cool, Hello Kitty ranks somewhere between James Bond and Snoop Dogg. In Taiwan, the mouthless product flogger now has its own train.
Courtesy Taiwan Railways Administration
Inaugural ride —
With its first enchanting round trip Monday between the cities of Taipei and Taitung, the Hello Kitty train made Taiwan 57% more adorable.
Courtesy Taiwan Railways Administration
"Kitty company" —
"Traces of the Hello Kitty train master can be found everywhere to create a sense that she's traveling with passengers together," says the Taiwan Railways Administration. We believe.
Courtesy Taiwan Railways Administration
Weekend regular —
Starting April 21, the themed trains connecting Taipei and Taitung will run periodically on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Though highly captivating, real-world Kitty -- here effortlessly upstaging everyday staffers at the train's inauguration -- will not appear on regular trips.
Courtesy Taiwan Railways Administration
Kitty in Taipei City —
On the train's fanciful version of Taipei City, Kitty and Co. enjoy bubble tea and steamed dumplings.
Courtesy Taiwan Railways Administration
Kitty in France —
The train's Europe car includes depictions of ultimate Kitty-selfie backdrops.
Courtesy Taiwan Railways Administration
Taroko Express rebranded —
With eight cars in total, the high-speed train has 376 passenger seats, each adorned with a headrest cover featuring the train master. (Which, frankly, could be a little cuter if you ask us.)
Courtesy Taiwan Railways Administration
Hello, collectibles! —
Train tickets would too small for these paw-sized stamps, available in the first and last cars.
