Since the construction of the “Kaohsiung Rapid Transit System – the Red and Orange Lines Construction Project” was announced by Kaohsiung City Government (hereunder briefed as “KCG”) on February 1, 1999, China Steel Corporation invited other companies began to organize the “Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation Preparatory Office” for initiating the investment in the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit System (hereunder briefed as “KRTS”). On May 10, 2000, the “Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KRTC) Preparatory Office” was rated as the most favorable applicant by the Selection & Review Board established by KCG and the company was incorporated after the contract negotiation with KCG, and the company license was granted on December 28 of the same year. Later on January 12, 2001, the KRTC signed the “Build and Operation Contract” and “Development Contract with KCG and started the construction from October 2001 to formally commence the KRTS project. After six more years of construction, the Kaohsiung MRT Red and Orange lines are scheduled to start regular service from 2008. According to the contract, a total of 36 years will be granted as the concession period for the building and operation of the KRTS starting from the work commencement in the end of October 2001 to the end of October 2037.

　The actual capital paid-in of the KRTC will be some NT$10 billion and the contribution members shall include China Steel Corporation, RSEA Engineering Corporation, Far Eastern Group, National Development Fund under Executive Yuan, Uni-President Group, Southeast Cement Corporation, and Siemens which are well-known firms and institutes both domestically and globally. The KRTS system will be built and operated by maintaining the philosophy of “Set foot in Kaohsiung, Feeback Kaohsiung, Develop Kaohsiung”. In future, the KRTS will significantly shorten the communing and traveling time of the citizens and expand the living territory of urban residents to making them experience a safe, comfortable, convenient and innovative transportation service.

　The rapid transit system is more than just traffic and transportation. It not only brings convenient transportation to people, but is also the source of shaping a modernized urban pattern and is the driving force for a better lifestyle. In addition, the KRTS will combine public arts to cultivate an active and quality-wide MRT culture by playing a soft-touch role in public arts. On this basis, it is hoped that a fresh style may be shaped for this harbor city in providing an environment for citizens to access artistic life and bringing a brand-new look for the southern area of Taiwan.