Taiwan Railway

Last updated

Taiwan Railway
ROC Taiwan Railways Administration Logo.svg
TRA EMC718 at North Hsinchu Station 20160206.jpg
A local train at North Hsinchu
Overview
Native name臺鐵 [upper-roman 1]
LocaleTaiwan
Transit typeHeavy rail
Number of lines12
Number of stations241
Annual ridership170,254,000 (2022)
Increase2.svg 9.89%
Chief executiveFeng Hui-sheng
Website railway.gov.tw
Operation
Began operation1891
Operator(s)Taiwan Railway Corporation
CharacterMixed
Number of vehicles900
Technical
System length1,065 km (662 mi)
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification 25 kV 60Hz AC overhead lines where electrified
Top speed150kph (93mph)

Taiwan Railway (TR) [upper-roman 2] is a state-owned conventional railway in Taiwan. It is operated by the Taiwan Railway Corporation under the supervision of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, responsible for managing, maintaining, and running conventional passenger and freight railway services on 1,097 km (682 mi) of track in Taiwan. [1] Passenger traffic in 2018 was 231,267,955. [2]

Contents

The railway was previously operated by Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA). On 1 January 2024, Taiwan Railway Administration became a state-owned corporation, Taiwan Railway Corporation. [3]

Overview

Taiwan Governor-General Railways building in January 2016. 20160128Tai Wan Tie Dao Bu Jiu Da Lou .JPG
Taiwan Governor-General Railways building in January 2016.
The TRA purchased six initial sets of Hitachi 8-car 130 km/h tilting trains, based on JR Kyushu's 885- series design, for US$85 million, to provide accelerated East Coast services. They are locally called Taroko Express after the mountain gorge. TRA TED1002 20120722.jpg
The TRA purchased six initial sets of Hitachi 8-car 130 km/h tilting trains, based on JR Kyushu's 885- series design, for US$85 million, to provide accelerated East Coast services. They are locally called Taroko Express after the mountain gorge.
A typical branch line service using a non-air conditioned DR2100 series DMU, at Shifen Station on the Pingxi line in the 1990s. TRA DR2103 at Shihfen Station 19920824.jpg
A typical branch line service using a non-air conditioned DR2100 series DMU, at Shifen Station on the Pingxi line in the 1990s.

Railway services, between Keelung and Hsinchu, began in 1891 under China's Qing colonial government, [4] because the railway was completely rebuilt and substantially expanded under the Railway Department  [ zh ] operated by Formosa's Taiwan under Japanese rule (1895–1945), the network's Japanese influence and heritage persists. [5] Similarities between TR and the Japan Railways (JR) companies can be found in signal aspects, signage, track layout, fare controls, station architecture, and operating procedures. As Japan's southern base during World War II, Taiwan's railways suffered significant damage by Allied air raids. Following the surrender of Japan in the aftermath of World War II, the Taiwan Railways Administration was established on 5 March 1948 to reconstruct and operate railway infrastructure, with Lang Chung-lai  [ zh ] as its first director-general. [6]

TRA was a government organisation that fell under Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) and employed around 13,500 people (4,700 in transportation and 7,700 in maintenance titles) and directly operated some 682 route miles of 3'6" (1,067 mm) gauge railways. [7] Three mainlines form a complete circle around the island. [8] TRA's West Coast line and Badu-Hualien section feature mostly double-track, electrification, modern colour light and cab signalling, overrun protection, and centralized traffic control (CTC). [9] South-link line, east coast Taitung (converted from 762 mm gauge), and three “tourist” branches are non-electrified single-track with passing sidings.

Since the early 1980s, conventional railway capital improvements have been nationally funded and managed by the MOTC's Railway Reconstruction Bureau, then turned over to TRA for operations. [10] Taiwan's challenging terrain meant all lines feature extensive tunneling and long bridges. Double-tracking frequently requires construction of parallel single-track railroads or bypass tunnels on new alignments. The US$14.5 billion standard gauge high-speed rail (HSR) line was built and operated by a separate public-private partnership under a 35-year concession, [11] but TRA provides feeder services to HSR terminals. Although TRA operates all commuter rail, other quasi-private organizations operate subways in Taipei and Kaohsiung.[ citation needed ]

Local and intercity passenger services (5am–1am, very few overnight trains) operate at 95.3% on-time performance. 2008 annual passenger ridership was 179 million (incurring 5.45 billion passenger-miles), generating US$434 million in revenue. [12] Commuter trains carry 76% of riders (43% of passenger miles). WCML carries >90% of ridership. TRA's loose-car and unit-train bulk freight services haul mainly aggregates (58% of tonnage), cement (26%), and coal (9%). In 2008, 9.5 million tons of freight (481 million ton-miles) generated US$28.6 million in revenue. Limited container services operate between the port of Hualien and suburban Taipei, but loading gauge restrictions preclude piggyback operations. During typhoon season, small trucks are carried on flatcars when highways are closed by flooding or mudslides. [13]

In the past, a shipper-owned light railway network (762 mm gauge, never operated by TRA) handled freight services throughout Taiwan and once boasted 1,800 route miles. Largely abandoned today, it served important industries including sugar, logging, coal, salt, and minerals. [14] Unlike JR East and Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway, revenues from ancillary businesses accounted for only 17.8% of TRA's revenues. [15] TRA's estimated farebox recovery ratio (including freight operations) was ~40%.

Staffing costs, pension benefits, capital debt, changing demographics, highway competition, and low fare policies resulted in accumulated deficits nearing US$3.3 billion. [16] Locally considered large and problematic, TRA's deficits paled in comparison to those incurred by European and U.S. transit agencies, and Japan National Railways (JNR) prior to its 1987 privatization. Like JNR and U.S. transit authorities, interest payments on long-term debt represents a significant burden for TRA. Planning for TRA's restructuring had been underway since 2000. [17]

Recent growth in the highway system and increased competition from bus companies and airlines has led to a decline in long-distance rail travel (except during major holidays such as Chinese New Year), though short and intermediate distance travel is still heavily utilized by commuters and students. The high-speed rail line is not run by TR, and is also a major source of competition. To offset this TR has begun placing an emphasis on tourism and short-distance commuter service. This has led to several special tourist trains running to scenic areas and hot springs, the addition of dining cars (originally deemed unnecessary due to Taiwan's relatively small size), and converting several smaller branch lines to attract tourists. Additionally, several new stations have been added in major metropolitan areas, and local commuter service increased. Its boxed lunches remain the company's most popular product with sales totaling NT$320 million (US$10.8 million) in 2010 (around 5% of its annual revenue). [18]

On December 31, 2010, TR signed a NT$10.6 billion contract with Sumitomo Group and Nippon Sharyo to supply 17 tilting train sets capable of traveling 150 km/h (93 mph). [19] These eight-car electric multiple units (EMUs) were delivered from 2012 to 2014 for Taroko Express services running between Taipei and Hualien on the east coast lines. The system achieved a single day record on February 5, 2011 during Chinese New Year celebrations, transporting 724,000 passengers a day. [20]

History

The Teng-yun (Chinese:
Teng Yun ), built by Hohenzollern Locomotive Works, was the first steam locomotive operated in Taiwan. Teng-Yung locomotive in Taipei Railway Workshop 1999-01.jpg
The Teng-yun (Chinese :騰雲), built by Hohenzollern Locomotive Works, was the first steam locomotive operated in Taiwan.
Taiwan Railway's Electro-Motive Division G12-class diesel locomotive R51 in charge of an ordinary local passenger train. TRA R51 DL at Level crossing.jpg
Taiwan Railway's Electro-Motive Division G12-class diesel locomotive R51 in charge of an ordinary local passenger train.

The first Taiwanese railway was completed during the Qing era in 1893. [21] In 1895, the Qing Empire ceded Formosa (Taiwan) to the Empire of Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War. The line was about 100 kilometres (62 mi) in length but in a poor condition when the Japanese arrived:

Accordingly work was commenced on the line at once. The Kīrun-Taihoku branch was completely reconstructed as so to avoid the numerous short curves and the steep grades. The line leading from Taihoku to the south received also some attention, the total cost of these improvements reaching nearly two million yen.

J. Davidson, The Island of Formosa [22]

We thus have practically a new line to Kīrun and another to Shinchiku (formerly Teckcham). In addition to these, new lines were constructed from Taihoku to Tansui, and from Takao to Shin'ei via Tainan-fu, which gives us a total of ninety-three miles of rail. The trunk line connecting the north and south is now in course of construction.

J. Davidson, Formosa under Japanese rule [23]

The Official Japanese Annual Report of 1935 states (under title Colonial Railways Section II Taiwan):

It was not until the cession of the Island of Taiwan (Formosa) from the Chinese Government to Japan that the island began to enjoy railway facilities, for prior that time the only railroad existing was a small light railway between Kīrun and Shinchiku built at the time of the Qing Dynasty of China. Soon after the cession the Governor-General of Taiwan established a plan, with approbation of the Diet, to build a standard Japanese gauge railway connecting Takao with Kīrun at the expense of 28.800.000 yen. The work of construction was started from both termini and finished in April 1908. This 429.3 mile (690.7 km) line now forms the trunk line in the island communication system.[ citation needed ] The Imperial Taiwan Government Railway manages three workshops in the Island viz. one each at Taihoku, Takao and Karenkō. The last mentioned is for East Coast line rolling stock.

Taiwan Railways Administration, History [24]

Timeline

Network design

Taipei Main Station's less-crowded underground platform with a British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) EMU100, delivered in 1978 for the original Taiwan West Coast line electrification program TRA EMU100 at Taipei Station 20120722.jpg
Taipei Main Station's less-crowded underground platform with a British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) EMU100, delivered in 1978 for the original Taiwan West Coast line electrification program

TR's network and services reflect strong centralized planning. Although TR is one of many passenger transport operators, its infrastructure allows multiple and convenient connections between modes. Joint transportation and land-use planning make railway projects effective land-development tools.[ citation needed ]

Mainline tunneling

The Japanese planned Taipei's railway tunnel prior to WWII. Their main impetus was the major Chung-Hwa Road (Route 1) trunk highway crossing. Taipei's Railway “Undergroundization” Project (Phase I) was approved in 1979, including Taipei Main Station (TMS), 2.8-miles of two-track underground railway, and Banqiao and Nankang yards. Completed in 1989 and costing US$600 million, [39] it replaced the historic Japanese-era Taihoku-eki (臺北駅) and Hwashan yard, eliminated grade crossings in Taipei's congested Wanhua District, providing operating efficiencies. Like New York's Penn Station project, [40] which buried 5.5 route-miles between North Bergen, N.J. and Hunterspoint, Queens by 1908, Taipei Main Station catalyzed urban redevelopment. Development was extensive but not without cultural costs. [41] Modern office towers and underground malls replaced Japanese-era wooden shanties and wholesale outlets, [42] but historic temples were preserved. Later phases completed the four track mainline tunnels, relocated yards to permit transit-oriented development (TOD), and provided a corridor for a much-needed crosstown expressway (Civic Boulevard). By 2008, US$5.8 billion were invested: Banqiao-Xike (16.0 miles) was tunneled, including all trackage within Taipei City, and Xike-Wudu (3.1 miles) was elevated under the TR elevatization program. [43] Nankang's Software Park, Exhibition Centre, and Xike's Science Park were developed around this time.

Run-through services

Underground urban trackage and run-through services in Taiwan make efficient use of assets and available track capacity. A Socimi built EMU300 set is being prepared at the Qidu carbarn. TRA EMU300 at Qidu Marshalling Yard 20120722.jpg
Underground urban trackage and run-through services in Taiwan make efficient use of assets and available track capacity. A Socimi built EMU300 set is being prepared at the Qidu carbarn.

Taipei is Taiwan's capital and ultimate destination for TR's mainlines. Explosive growth since 1980 made Taipei a 10-million population metropolis sprawled over four counties. To accommodate suburban commuters, and to serve passengers traveling to/from suburban business districts, Taipei was envisioned as a through station, allowing West coast trains to operate to Taipei's eastern suburbs, and vice versa.

Through-running reduces platform occupancy times, maximizes one-seat rides, and distributes passengers over multiple stations, reducing crowding. Trains can be moved through Taipei's terminal district in arrival sequence, providing some delay absorption capability. Only ~20% of passenger trips originated/terminated at Taipei Main Station. Trains are turned at outlying yards (where turnback tracks are expressly provided), minimizing conflicting movements. [44] Observation at Banqiao revealed substantial transfer activity between TR and metro.

In the 1990s, east coast trains terminated at Banqiao; WCML trains terminated at Nankang/Keelung. All trains thus operate over the busy Banqiao-Nankang (Bannan) section, effectively providing urban transportation by utilizing surplus capacity on longer-distance through trains. Commuter trains made all suburban stops, while Amtrak-like expresses stopped only at major hubs. These days, most East Coast services terminate at Shulin Station, which is the location of a major TR yard. West Coast services mainly terminate at Qidu Station, which is the location of another large rail yard.[ citation needed ]

Railway facility relocation

Taoyuan commuters wait for the South African Union Carriage & Wagon-built EMU400 to Qidu. To support metropolitan growth, Banqiao yard moved west to Shulin, and Nankang yard east to Qidu, extending through-running operations. TRA EM403 at Taoyuan Station 20120722.jpg
Taoyuan commuters wait for the South African Union Carriage & Wagon-built EMU400 to Qidu. To support metropolitan growth, Banqiao yard moved west to Shulin, and Nankang yard east to Qidu, extending through-running operations.

To support metropolitan growth, Banqiao yard moved west to Shulin, and Nankang yard east to Qidu during the mid-2000s, extending through operations to approximately 10 miles either side. Banqiao, Taipei, and Nankang became major interchanges. Like Boston's NorthPoint project [45] planned for a Boston & Maine yard, the former Banqiao yard is now Banqiao station and a successful TOD site. Like the CREATE (Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency) plan, [46] through-running allows yards and freight facilities to move from center city (Hwashan, Songshan) to suburbs (Shulin, Qidu), with cheaper land and better highway access.

Rapid transit integration

Taipei metro shows substantial integration with the network, reflecting Taipei's close municipal central government relationship. Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation's (TRTC) Tamsui–Xinyi line was converted from Tamsui railway line, while Bannan line and Songshan–Xindian line roughly follow the TR mainline [47] and the former Xindian railway line. TR accepts metro farecards within metropolitan Taipei. Four metro lines converge at Taipei Main Station, making subways the local distribution system of TR. New intercity bus terminals were constructed near Taipei Main Station in 2009. [48] Like NJ Transit’s Newark and LIRR’s Jamaica stations, Banqiao and Nankang interchanges afford TR penetration into western and eastern neighbourhoods without long hackney rides or backtracking.[ citation needed ]

Commuter rail and HSR

TR’s maximum commercial speed is 130 km/h (81 mph) whereas HSR operates up to 300 km/h (187 mph). Although TR’s long-distance services potentially competes with HSR, Taiwan’s HSR is focused on origin-destination markets over 100 miles [49] like Taipei–Taichung (HSR – 45 minutes on the fastest service; TR – 95 minutes on the Puyuma Express), whereas TR served shorter-haul trips like Taipei–Hsinchu (30 versus 49 minutes). HSR serves Taipei, Banqiao, and Nangang TR interchanges via shared corridors. Except for Taipei (and surrounding stations), HSR stations are located out-of-town, minimizing environmental impacts and property acquisition, maximizing economic development potential, and allowing low curvature alignments. [50] Commuter rail acting as shuttles operated by the TR connects HSR with established provincial downtowns, solving “last mile” problems.[ citation needed ]

In Hsinchu, HSR and TR stations are three miles apart. Parts of TR's Neiwan line were electrified and rebuilt as a modern commuter railroad, costing US$280 million to connect Hsinchu's historic downtown with the HSR. Connections generate benefits for both modes and catalyze development near HSR stations, much as Interstate interchanges attracted economic activity. This is a transit-oriented version of Beltway success stories played out across 1980s America.[ citation needed ]

Infrastructure and scheduling

Train terminations and transfers occur at interchanges where double island platforms and full crossovers are provided. The Japanese Tokyu DR3000 DMU is departing from Shulin station, using crossovers for yard access. Fig2g 0508.jpg
Train terminations and transfers occur at interchanges where double island platforms and full crossovers are provided. The Japanese Tokyu DR3000 DMU is departing from Shulin station, using crossovers for yard access.
TR's infrastructure designs are targeted towards scheduled movements. The South Korean Daewoo EMU500 commuter unit is being prepared on Hsinchu's middle track while an intercity train departs. Fig2f 0342.jpg
TR's infrastructure designs are targeted towards scheduled movements. The South Korean Daewoo EMU500 commuter unit is being prepared on Hsinchu's middle track while an intercity train departs.

TR's infrastructure might be described as making up for lower track miles with sidings. TR operated single-track sections on busy mainlines until 1998. Double-track sections can accommodate trains at different speeds; passing movements don't interference with opposing traffic, allowing scheduled throughputs of ~15 trains per hour per direction. Scheduling practices assume staff can respond to unforeseen delays and out-of-sequence trains by dynamically utilizing available infrastructure.

TR has recently installed advanced signalling on the northernmost portion of the West Coast line around Taipei, and has performed extensive capacity analysis to maximize train throughputs. [51]

Passing tracks at local stations

Double-ended sidings (loops) good for typical passenger trains (10–12 cars) are provided at 3–8 mile intervals, at local stations. Some stations have an island platform serving middle siding tracks, and straight-through outside bypass tracks. Schedules provide extra dwell time for trains to hold until an express passes, also serving as en route recovery time, improving reliability. Some stations in single-track territory feature three passing tracks, allowing freight or other equipment to be stowed while opposing passenger trains pass one another. Close proximity of sidings allows TR to squeeze 5–6 tph (both directions, mixed traffic) out of single-tracks. [52]

Double island platforms at transfer stations

Train terminations and transfers (express/local, branch/mainline) occur at strategic interchanges where double island platforms and full crossovers are provided. Platforms between siding and mainline provide cross-platform transfers, and allow staff to clear terminating trains without obstructing mainline. Where many trains originate/terminate, additional platforms are provided. Crossovers allow convenient layover access and easy multiple-unit (MU) reversals.

Side platforms and through tracks

Island platforms are not ideal for vertical passenger flow. Side platforms allow direct access from stationhouse through fare control. Through track serves the stationhouse at major stations, where most expresses stop. Middle bypass tracks are available for switching, temporary equipment storage, train preparation, and allows passenger trains to pass freights. Stationhouses are usually on the northbound side (up direction, to Taipei), where originating passengers are voluminous. At minor stations, mainline serves the island platform; locals serve the stationhouse while waiting for overtaking expresses.[ citation needed ]

Explicit scheduling and dispatching priorities

Like classic American railroads, TR's published timetable specifies train class (thus dispatching priority). Premium-fare expresses, like Tze-Chiang, have highest priority and almost never take sidings. [44] Customers understand the system, and are not surprised when lower priority trains are held, allowing others to pass. Dispatching decisions are fairly straightforward; even when trains are out of sequence, stationmasters do not hesitate to hold trains if releasing them could delay a subsequent Tze-Chiang. Close proximity of sidings means unscheduled holds are likely short, usually less than 5 minutes.[ citation needed ]

Schedule, ridership pattern, and demographics

TR's schedules are not tightly constrained by clock face patterns or policy headways. Extra trains and cars are added on peak travel days to accommodate holiday traffic. 6~8% more departures are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. TR riders span the full gamut including lower-income (students, young adults) and minorities (Hakka, Taiwanese indigenous peoples) but also choice riders (vacationing families, foreign tourists, monthly commuters). Elderly passengers are common, but wheelchair passengers are rare; not all stations are handicap accessible and not all rolling stock are level-boarding. Fare differentials between expresses and locals provide market differentiation. HSR ridership is observably more affluent, capturing many former airline passengers. [53]

Operating practices

With the train safely immobilized, a Taiwan Railway commuter EMU operator and relief operator exchange pleasantries on Yilan's departure track prior to changing ends and returning to Hsinchu via Taipei. TRA EMU551 operator and relief operator 20120729.jpg
With the train safely immobilized, a Taiwan Railway commuter EMU operator and relief operator exchange pleasantries on Yilan's departure track prior to changing ends and returning to Hsinchu via Taipei.
Taiwan Railway's ordinary local passenger train on the scenic South-link line. Ordinary-train.jpg
Taiwan Railway's ordinary local passenger train on the scenic South-link line.

Operations on different railroads are variations of similar general principles. TR's practices are like JR's: somewhat labour-intensive, but immediate on-site accountability and close supervision contribute to high service quality, good delay-recovery capabilities, skills to execute complex maneuvers, and throughputs closer to theoretical line capacity than otherwise achievable.

Stationmasters, train regulation, and dwell process

Many TR stations have "stationmaster duty offices". Stationmasters (their deputies, or platform staff) perform train regulation and signalling functions right from the platform, and provide train crew oversight. Two station crewmembers work busy locations, one per direction. They sound a whistle to warn waiting passengers of imminent arrivals. Passengers standing in yellow danger zones are asked to step back. As trains approach, they hand-signal drivers. Unreserved trains (without assigned cars) berth close to fare control, while expresses berth according to platform car markers, minimizing onboard baggage-carrying by passengers looking for assigned seats. Stationmasters may indirectly reduce overruns by providing immediate accountability.[ citation needed ]

TR's stationmasters and conductors jointly manage dwell time, like their counterparts at LIRR's Jamaica. Stationmasters regulate trains by enforcing correct train sequences and departure times; holding to time is actually a legal requirement. [54] At transfer locations, they manage connections. About ½-minute prior to departure, stationmasters sound platform bells to signal impending departure. When trains are late, bell is given sooner, shortening dwell times. Once conductors close train doors, stationmasters give the "right away" using platform-mounted equipment. After departure, stationmasters remain on platforms, visually inspecting departing trains.

Conductors as captains

On board, conductors' primary responsibilities are not ticket examinations – station fare controls provide coverage. Instead, conductors operate doors and announcement systems, ensure onboard safety, sell onboard tickets, provide customer information and assistance, supervise onboard crews, perform emergency procedures, and troubleshoot equipment where possible. The position's multidisciplinary nature is reflected in Asian terms for "conductor" 列車長; lièchēzhǎng in Guoyu, 車長; ce1zoeng2 in Cantonese, and 車掌, shashō in Japanese (still informally used on TR) – which translates to "consist manager" or "train handler". They have overall responsibility for smooth onboard operations and customer experience, actively directing cleaners, attendants, even bento vendors.

Onboard services

Fulong Station Taiwan Railway Bento box. Fulong Station Ekiben 02.jpg
Fulong Station Taiwan Railway Bento box.

On TR expresses, cleaners periodically move through the train to remove trash, even proactively asking passengers if visible food items are finished. Train attendants offer bento boxes, drinks, souvenirs, and suncakes (traditional gifts for visiting friends) from small carts.

Ticketing

Taiwan Railway faregates and Automated Fare Collection (AFC) hardware at Badu Station. TRA Badu Station ticket gate 20080803.jpg
Taiwan Railway faregates and Automated Fare Collection (AFC) hardware at Badu Station.
Larger format Taiwan Railways Administration ticket used by Tzu-Chiang express train with seat reservations (Car 6 Seat 15), issued by the AFC system. TRA Tze-Chiang Limited Express Taipei-Tainan ticket 20071104.jpg
Larger format Taiwan Railways Administration ticket used by Tzu-Chiang express train with seat reservations (Car 6 Seat 15), issued by the AFC system.
Taiwan Railway's second generation ticket vending machine, capable of credit-card processing and reserved-seating ticket issuance seen at Taipei Main Station. TRA Taipei Station Express-only ATVM 20120729.jpg
Taiwan Railway's second generation ticket vending machine, capable of credit-card processing and reserved-seating ticket issuance seen at Taipei Main Station.
Taiwan Railway's smart card ticket readers in Songshan Station for Taipei City's EasyCard (left) and Taiwan's Easy Go (right). The ticket readers were an interim solution before full implementation of integrated ticket gates. EasyCard and Taiwan Easy Go reader at TRA Songshan Station 20100608.jpg
Taiwan Railway's smart card ticket readers in Songshan Station for Taipei City's EasyCard (left) and Taiwan's Easy Go (right). The ticket readers were an interim solution before full implementation of integrated ticket gates.

TR's tickets were printed on traditional Edmondson presses until Japan's NEC supplied a computerized ticketing and reservation system in the late 1980s. Almost all stations are divided into paid (platform) and unpaid (waiting room) areas. Normally, ticket examiners govern platform access, checking and punching tickets as passengers enter. Conductors perform onboard ticket checks near peak load points or every ~100 miles, verifying that passengers hold train-class appropriate tickets, and dispense step-up and zone extension fares from portable ticket printers. Examiners also control access to unpaid areas at destinations, ensuring all passengers paid full distance-based fares. Used tickets are collected and not returned to passengers unless cancelled by stamps (similar to postmarks). Those arriving without appropriate tickets (i.e. requiring "fare adjustments") are assessed 50% penalties, giving passengers incentives to find conductors on board to purchase step-up fares. Tickets are validated at origin, destination, and sometimes en route; evasion thus would require elaborate two-ticket schemes or exiting from paid area without going through fare control. Fare evasion rates are thought to be low. Proof-of-payment methods are not used.

Fare structure

TR's passenger fares are highly regulated and strictly distance/train-class based (short trips <6.3 miles require 34~73 cents minimum fare.) Express fares are 11.7 cents (per passenger-mile); locals are 5.5 cents. [55] Within Taipei municipal zone, single trips are 58 cents regardless of distance/class. Unlike HSR, no time- or demand-based off-peak discounts are offered. Periodic (limited-ride) commutation tickets and multi-ride carnets are available. Fares are generally competitive with private commuter and intercity buses. Express trains operate with higher load factors and are more profitable.

Fare validation

Fare validation requires substantial infrastructure (paid/unpaid areas), labour-intensive manual ticket examinations, and consequent speed-accuracy trade-offs. During the 2000s, TR incrementally replaced older thermal ticket printers with automated fare collection (AFC) devices using magnetic-backed stock. Busy stations have faregates to speed up validation. Tickets can be inserted in any orientation. Gates align, check, and mechanically punch tickets prior to opening. Validations are fast and can be "pipelined" or "stacked" (i.e. following passenger can insert ticket while previous passenger is proceeding through the gate). Passenger counting sensors quickly close gates when as many passengers entered as valid tickets processed. When exiting, faregates collect and cancel single trip tickets.

However, many locations still use heat-sensitive tickets without ATC, requiring one ticket examiner per fare control. Examiners punch and collect non-magnetic tickets, provide customer information and assistance, troubleshoot AFC malfunctions (e.g. mutilated tickets), and return cancelled (stamped) tickets to passengers requiring proof-of-travel for expense claims. TR volunteers (with yellow vest) staff some gates. Volunteers, like America's auxiliary police and volunteer firefighters, include carefully selected and specifically trained members of the public, and retired industry personnel. [56] They assist passengers, sometimes exercising Japanese or English language skills, [57] and report turnstile jumpers and AFC malfunctions to employees. Station management has considerable latitude in determining work scope of volunteers. [58]

Ticketing processes

Most TR stations feature staffed ticket offices, supplemented by ticket vending machines (TVMs) at busy locations. Unreserved single or day-return tickets must be purchased on the day of travel (to prevent ticket reuse), leading to ticket queues at peak commuter periods. Passengers purchasing advance tickets can delay entire queues, causing imminent train departures to be missed. To maximize passenger throughput, separate ticket windows provide train information, today's tickets, and advance or commutation tickets. Some daily ticket windows only accept cash, further decreasing transaction times. Ticket windows at busy stations can be dynamically switched between different functions, minimizing daily ticket queues.

Fare vending machines

Early machines designed primarily for commuters are essentially receipt printers, accepting only coins (no bills) and prepaid magnetic TransitChek-like cards – not credit cards. Passengers must first insert coins (amount deposited is displayed), then press numerous lighted buttons sequentially to specify traveller count, train class, single/return/concessionary, and destination. Buttons light up only when adequate coins are inserted. TVMs sell only unreserved single/round-trips to local destinations (<50 miles) from the current station. Earlier button presses constrain subsequent choices: destinations for which insufficient fares were paid (in selected train class) do not activate and have no effect.

This machine's target audience is regular travellers who already know required fares. Passenger experiences for first-time customers can be confusing, but once customers learn this TVM, unreserved day ticket transactions are processed much faster than on typical full-feature machines. Machines need only electricity (not network connections) and staff to replace ticket stock, remove coins, and clear jams. Like soda machines, they are robust, self-contained, and have been deployed to remote locations.

Long distance TVMs selling advance-purchase, reserved-seating, and prepaid internet/phone tickets were developed later. These more complex machines, functionally similar to Amtrak's Quik-Trak, are available at principal West coast stations.

Contactless Smartcard fare payment

TRTC pioneered transitcards in 2000 via affiliate Taipei Smart Card Corporation, which performs backoffice functions for TRTC, Taipei's Taipei Joint Bus System (market-sharing conference) group of bus companies, and other EasyCard merchants. In 2008, TRTC assisted TR in implementing entry-exit smartcard fare collection [59] for local travel within Taipei's metropolitan zone (Keelung-Zhongli), offering 10% discounts from regular local train fares. Smartcard holders can travel on regular local and express trains, but not Tarokos, Puyumas, sightseeing specials, nor in business class. When travelling on expresses, smartcard seats are unreserved. As expresses are often sold out, EasyCard offers de facto standee discounts. Travelers with only a smartcard entry and no reserved seat ticket boarding onto Taroko and Puyumas express trains will receive a considerable fine. All others including Chu-kuang and Tze-chiang express trains are available for smartcard entry.

Origin/destination validation and existing fare control areas made smartcard implementation easier. Instead of punching tickets to enter and relinquishing tickets to exit, users tap-in and tap-out. Faregates are replaced with newer integrated designs as funding allows. In the interim, ticket collectors visually verify each transaction on low-cost stand-alone terminals, allowing rapid deployment.

Smartcard development in Taiwan is currently fluid. With 13 million cards issued, readers for Mifare Classic-based EasyCard are already installed at convenience stores like Family Mart. Legislation authorizing "Third Generation e-Purse" (stored value limit ~US$300) was passed in March 2010, allowing smartcard payments for low-value non-transportation items, like Hong Kong's Octopus Card. Three major competitors hold regional subway/bus fare collection franchises (Taipei's "Youyoka" EasyCard, Mid-Island's Taiwan Easy Go "TaiwanTong", and Kaohsiung's "I Pass"), and TR has active pilots with both EasyCard and TaiwanTong. Taiwan's MOTC expects to eventually integrate all electronic farecard systems nationwide. [60]

Rail pass

Besides single ticket, TR has also been offering various types of rail pass, with which travelers can ride on trains without buying single tickets. Currently, TR offers TR Pass to travelers such that they have unlimited ride on trains within the set period. The pass has two versions - the General Pass and the Student Pass. TR first offered the Student Pass to foreign students in December 2006 in order to attract more foreign visitors. The offer was extended to local students in 2009. Finally, parallel to the Student Pass, a General Pass, which could be used by everyone, was issued in 2010, so as to replace the ineffective "Round-the Island Pass" (環島週遊票), which had been offered since 1998.

The Round-the Island Pass had several restrictions making it unpopular. First, holders of the pass must either travel in the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction without traveling backwards. Secondly, travelers could only pick seven stops to get off and visit. Once a traveler has got off in seven stations, the pass became invalid. These restrictions were deemed too restrictive and limited the use of the pass. [61] After the issue of TR General Pass in 2010, this pass ceased to be issued.

Passenger information systems and signage

Traditional Taiwan Railway acrylic schedule boards at Daxi Station. TRA Dasi Station train timetable 20060630.jpg
Traditional Taiwan Railway acrylic schedule boards at Daxi Station.

TR takes a holistic and comprehensive approach towards passenger information. Devices used (in both English and Chinese) range from schedule posters, fixed signage to departure monitors and next-train displays.

Split-flap display boards, monitors, or smaller LED displays are provided at major terminals and principal stations. One display per control area shows boarding times and track assignments. Delays as short as one minute are posted. Large acrylic signboards show departure times and fares at smaller stations. Ubiquitous clocks throughout stations and facilities make it difficult to find spots where fewer than two clocks are immediately visible.

Platform signage, next train identifiers

Taiwan Railway's large acrylic backlit signs to indicate station names and distances to adjacent stations for use by passengers and crew. Shiliu Station (May 29, 2020) - platform sign.jpg
Taiwan Railway's large acrylic backlit signs to indicate station names and distances to adjacent stations for use by passengers and crew.

Backlit acrylic signs (airport-style with iconic representations) identify platform and carriage numbers, and provide directions to facilities like restrooms and elevators. Boxes display schedules, tourist information, and service change notices. Large signs (legible from passing trains) indicate station names, and distances to previous/next stations, for use by passengers and crew. Platform LED displays provide next train identity, departure time, delay information, and context-sensitive messages, including public service announcements.

Onboard displays and announcements

TR's mixed fleet ranges from 1960s hauled stock to new Tarokos and commuter trains. Newer trains feature automated display/announcement systems with high-density dot-matrix LEDs like Taipei's metro. On long-distance coaches with longer time between station stops, scrolling displays are used. Like in Continental Europe, automated onboard announcements are multilingual. Announcements are in four major languages (Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English). In rural areas, announcements are also made in local aboriginal languages; Taitung line has the aboriginal Pangcah/Amis language. In unusual situations, conductors can usually make announcements in at least two languages.

Trains lacking automatic train location features are not simple to retrofit. TR devised low-cost multi-lingual "announcement boxes" connected to the public address system, manually triggered by conductors on approach to stations.

Exterior train identification

Identifying arriving trains quickly and accurately is equally important to employees and passengers. Classically, lighted acrylic destination signboards are manually changed at terminals. Recent modernization efforts provided exterior LED displays showing destination, route, train number, and class. Newest cars have bilingual flexible displays built-in. Train numbers are especially important on expresses, helping customers identify seat reservations.

Modernisation

Under the Railway Bureau, many projects have been undertaken to modernise the railway system and improve its efficiency.

A TR Customer Service Attendant. The cap's badges and drawings are from the original Republic of China national emblem, the dove of peace has now become TR's logo, the radial lines symbolizing speed and efficiency. TRA train driver 20111108.jpg
A TR Customer Service Attendant. The cap's badges and drawings are from the original Republic of China national emblem, the dove of peace has now become TR's logo, the radial lines symbolizing speed and efficiency.

Under the "East Railway Improvement Project", the route between Taipei and Hualien was electrified. [62] The section between Badu (in Keelung) and Taitung was improved by changing to 50 kg/m rail, automating traffic signals, and including portions of double tracks. [62] Work began in June 1998 and was completed in December 2004, costing NT$43.691 billion. [62] As part of the project, the Xinguanyin Tunnel (at 10,307 m (33,816 ft), the longest double track railway tunnel in Taiwan) and the New Yongchun Tunnel were constructed. [62] The "Continued Improvement of Eastern Railways Project" was approved by the Executive Yuan on June 30, 2003, and involved a 5.7 km (3.5 mi) stretch between Dongshan and the Wulaokeng River. [63] It included the construction of the elevated Dongshan Station as well as two branch lines. [63] The project cost NT$2.779 billion, began in February 2004, and was completed by the end of 2008. [63]

Railway lines in eastern Taiwan are undergoing electrification and double-tracking improvements to increase train speeds from 110 km/h (68 mph) to 130 km/h (81 mph). [64] The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013 and will cut travel time between Taipei and Taitung down by about 1.5 hours. Completion of drilling for the Shanli Tunnel, the longest on the modified route, took place in March 2012. [65]

Corporatization of TRA

Because of the several hundred-billions TWD of liabilities, and the legal person type of TRA is considered a block for elasticity operations of railway systems, there were several campaigns and groups set up that aim to take privatization and corporatization actions for TRA since 1990s. In May 2022 the Executive Yuan approved an act, called Taiwan Railways Limited Liability Company establishment ordinance, it's ruled that TRA will transit to be a state-owned railway company that operate exclusively by the government, set up a fund to handle debts of TRA, no employees of TRA will be axed, and consider raising up salaries by 3~5%. [66] According to the ordinance, TRA is scheduled be renamed to Taiwan Railways Corporation Limited by January 1, 2024.

Lines

Shifen Station on the Pingxi line. TRA Shihfen Station platforms 20050516.jpg
Shifen Station on the Pingxi line.
Xinzuoying Station in Kaohsiung THSR Zuoying Station and TRA New Zuoying Station 20080712.jpg
Xinzuoying Station in Kaohsiung
A local freight train is using the now-abandoned Kaohsiung Port line, at the Zhongshan Road level-crossing. TRA S205 and covered hopper railway wagons20040531.jpg
A local freight train is using the now-abandoned Kaohsiung Port line, at the Zhongshan Road level-crossing.

Current passenger lines

Branches

Other lines

Planned

Defunct

  • Donggang line (東港線): Zhenan, Pingtung County – Donggang, Pingtung County. Passenger service discontinued in 1991, completely closed in 2002.
  • Dongshi line (東勢線): Fengyuan, Taichung City to Dongshi, Taichung City. Passenger service discontinued in 1991. Transformed into a bike trail by the Taichung City government.
  • Shengang line (神岡線): Tanzi, Taichung City to Daya, Taichung City. Service discontinued in 1999. Also transformed into a bike trail.
  • Tamsui line (淡水線): Taipei to Tamsui, New Taipei City, closed in 1988 for metro construction. Replaced by Tamsui–Xinyi line of Taipei Metro on a similar route.
  • Hsintien line (新店線): Wanhua to Xindian, closed in 1965. Replaced by the Taipei Metro Songshan–Xindian line of Taipei Metro on a similar route. [67]
  • Linkou line (林口線): Taoyuan District to Linkou District, closed in 2012. Transformed into a bike trail.
  • Xinbeitou branch line (新北投線): Beitou District (Beitou station to Xinbeitou station), closed in 1988 for metro construction. Replaced by the Xinbeitou branch line of the Taipei Metro.
  • Songshan Airport line: Songshan station to Songshan Airport, closed in 1976.
  • Hsinchu Airport line: Hsinchu station to Hsinchu Airport, closed in 1997 and converted to a road.
  • Kaohsiung Port line: Kaohsiung station to Kaohsiung Port station, closed in 2018 and converted to the circular light rail line.
  • Pingtung Airport Line: Pingtung station to Pingtung Airport, closed in 1997.
  • Zhonghe line: Banqiao station to Zhonghe station, closed in 1990 for metro construction. Replaced by Taipei Metro Zhonghe–Xinlu line of Taipei Metro.
  • Sanzhangli branch line: Huashan station to Lianqin 44th Arsenal, closed in 1986.

Services

EMU700 series Local train arriving Xike Station. TRA EMU707 at Xike Station 20071231.jpg
EMU700 series Local train arriving Xike Station.
An E1000 series Tzu-Chiang Limited Express train arriving at Chiayi Station. Jia Yi Che Zhan  (24146954074).jpg
An E1000 series Tzu-Chiang Limited Express train arriving at Chiayi Station.

Regular services

EnglishChineseDescriptionReserved seatsStandard fare
Local 區間Short to medium distance services which stop at all stationsNone NT$ 1.46/km
Fast local區間快Short to medium services which skip some stopsNone
Chu-kuang莒光Long haul services which skip some stopsAvailableNT$1.75/km
Tze-chiang 自強Long distance services which stop at major stationsAvailableNT$2.27/km
Taroko, Puyuma, Xin Tze-Chiang 太魯閣、普悠瑪、新自強Long haul services with few stops and use tilting(excluding Xin Tze-chiang) trains to minimise travel timesRequired

With the exception of the Ordinary services (see below), all trains are modern and air conditioned. Many of the Ordinary train carriages, on the other hand, are almost 40 to 50 years old.

Limited services

Retired services

Chu-kuang Express

In 1970, the Taiwan Railways Administration solicited equipment loans from the World Bank to increase transport capacity, the most important passenger vehicle is the 35SP32850 class, purchased from a consortium led by Japan's Hitachi, for a total of 27 vehicles.

On February 3, 1970, Chu-kuang service was initiated with Trains #1011 through #1014 on the West Coast line between Taipei and Taichung, hauled by EMD G22 class diesels (TR classification R100 class). Fares were set at three times the per-mile cost of ordinary local service, as much as NT$117 for certain origin-destination pairs. On February 20 of the same year, the service was initiated between Taipei and Kaohsiung.

The first Chu-kuang Expresses in the 1970s used a variety of different vehicles; although the models vary, but the body are universally white with blue line, with one door per side, and in the interior there are carpets and velvet sofa seats. After the completion of the West Coast line electrification project in 1978, all coach bodies were fully painted into orange livery, and service continued to grow.

1986 saw the introduction of rooftop air-conditioning type Chu-kuang coaches (10200 series), like the previous launch of 35SPK2200 on the Fu-Hsing Express , the air conditioner is moved to the stainless steel lightweight roof, and each coach was outfitted with a single door per side (manually operated). In addition, these Chu-kuang saw introduction of TR's first disability-accessible coach, the FPK11300 type.

Vehicles

TR uses a variety of railway vehicles to provide both freight and passenger service.

See also

Notes

Words in native languages

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taiwan High Speed Rail</span>

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is the high-speed railway network in Taiwan, which consists of a single line that runs approximately 350 km (217 mi) along the western coast of the island, from the capital Taipei in the north to the southern city of Kaohsiung. With construction and operations managed by a private company, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC), which also operates the line, the total cost of the project was NT$513.3 billion in 1998. The system's technology is based primarily on Japan's Shinkansen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taiwan Railways Administration</span> Railway operator in Taiwan

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) was a governmental agency in Taiwan which operated Taiwan Railway from 1948 to 2023. It managed, maintained, and operated conventional passenger and freight railway services on 1,097 km (682 mi) of track. Passenger traffic in 2018 was 231,267,955.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rail transport in Taiwan</span>

Rail transport in Taiwan consists of 2,025 kilometres (1,258 mi) of railway networks. Though no longer as dominant as it once was, rail transport is an extremely important form of transportation in Taiwan due to high population density, especially along the densely populated western corridor. In 2016, over 1.09 billion passengers traveled by rail in Taiwan, averaging 2.99 million passengers per day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taipei Main Station</span> Major railway station in Taiwan

Taipei Main Station is a major metro and railway station in the capital Taipei, Taiwan. It is served by Taipei Metro, the Taiwan High Speed Rail, and Taiwan Railway. It is also connected through underground passageways to the terminal station of Taoyuan Airport MRT and the Taipei Bus Station. It is the busiest station in Taiwan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Trunk line</span> Railway line in Taiwan

Western Trunk line is a railway line of Taiwan Railway in western Taiwan. It is by far the busiest line, having served over 171 million passengers in 2016. The total length of the line is 404.5 km (251.3 mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taoyuan Airport MRT</span> Airport rail link of Taoyuan Airport, operated by Taoyuan Metro

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport MRT, commonly known as the Airport MRT, is a rapid transit line of the Taoyuan Metro that connects the municipalities of the capital Taipei, Taoyuan and New Taipei with Taoyuan International Airport. The 51.33 km (31.89 mi) line, from Taipei Main Station to Laojie River, has 22 stations and began commercial service on 2 March 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pingtung line</span> One of the two partially double-track railway in Taiwan along with South-link line.

The Pingtung Line is part of the West Coast line of Taiwan Railway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neiwan line</span> Railway line in Taiwan

The Neiwan line is a railway branch line in Taiwan operated by the Taiwan Railways Administration. It is located in Hsinchu County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamsui line</span> Former railway line in Taipei, Taiwan

The Tamsui line or Damtsui line was a railroad branch line located in the cities of Taipei and New Taipei operated by the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA). It connected the city of Taipei with the town of Tamsui. The route is currently served by the Tamsui–Xinyi line on the Taipei Metro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nangang station</span> Railway station located in Taipei, Taiwan

Nangang is a railway and metro station in Taipei, Taiwan served by Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways Administration and Taipei Metro. The station is served by the fastest HSR express services of the 1 series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transportation in Taiwan</span>

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications governs transportation in Taiwan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaohsiung Main Station</span> Railway station in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung Main Station is a railway and metro station in Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan served by the Taiwan Railways and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit. It is one of four special class stations, the highest class with the most services. It is currently undergoing reconstruction, scheduled to be complete in 2024.

Tze-Chiang, also Tzu-chiang or Ziqiang, is a type of limited express train service operated by Taiwan Railway (TR). Of the five service classes operated by TR, the Tze-Chiang service is the fastest. Ticketing is done on the basis of mileage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Banqiao station</span> Railway station in New Taipei, Taiwan

Banqiao is a railway and metro station in New Taipei, Taiwan served by Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), TRA, Taipei Metro and New Taipei Metro. With the exception of the Circular Line, all other tracks and platforms in the station are located underground. The station is served by the fastest HSR express services of the 1 series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shalun line</span> Railway line in Taiwan

The Shalun Line is a branch line of the Taiwan Railway (TR) West Coast line in Tainan, Taiwan. It was built to link the Western Line to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Tainan Station, speeding up transit times between downtown Tainan and the THSR station, with services running from Nanke railway station or Tainan TRA station to Shalun Station, next to the THSR station. The line opened on January 2, 2011.

Since the 1980s, ground level railway facilities in urban areas have been seen as obstacles to road traffic and local development. In 1983, the Executive Yuan tasked the Taipei Railway Underground Project Organisation (TRUPO) with the project to rebuild railway facilities in greater Taipei, completed in 2011. The office would later become the Railway Reconstruction Bureau, then Railway Bureau, responsible for reconstruction in other urban areas. Completed or partially complete reconstruction projects include those for Yuanlin, Pingtung, Taichung and Kaohsiung, with more planned or under construction for Tainan, Taoyuan, Chiayi, Changhua and more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DR2700 series</span> Former passenger train in Taiwan

The DR2700 series, also locally affectionately known as the "White Steel Train", was a series of diesel multiple unit trains used by the Taiwan Railways Administration. They were originally built by Tokyu Car Corporation of Japan in 1966, in response to an order by the Taiwan Railways Administration, because of the need to renew the rolling stock on the by then 10-year-old Flying Formosan Express service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xike railway station</span> Railway station located in New Taipei, Taiwan

Xike is a railway station in New Taipei, Taiwan served by Taiwan Railways. Located near Xizhi's technology park, it experiences heavy traffic during the morning and early evening rush hours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuzhou railway station (Taiwan)</span> Railway station in New Taipei, Taiwan

Fuzhou is a railway station on the Taiwan Railways Administration West Coast line located in Banqiao District, New Taipei, Taiwan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taoyuan Metro 1000 series</span> Taiwanese trains

The Taoyuan Metro 1000 series, also referred to as Commuter Trains, are the electric multiple unit train types that are used for the all-stop Commuter services on the Taoyuan Airport MRT.

References

Citations

  1. "Transportation". A Brief Introduction to Taiwan. ROC Government Information Office. Archived from the original on 18 May 2006. Retrieved 19 May 2006.
  2. "Statistics". railway.gov.tw. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  3. TRA becomes Taiwan Railway Corporation International Railway Journal January 2, 2024
  4. Han Cheung (14 August 2016). "The two fathers of Taiwan's railroads?". Taipei Times. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
  5. Kuan, Renjian (管仁健). 台灣的中國教育與日本鐵路 [Taiwan’s Chinese Education and Japanese Railroads]. In The Taiwan You Don’t Know (Blog). Retrieved 9 July 2010.
  6. 博物館: 臺灣鐵路發展時段 [Museum Pages: Taiwan Railways Development Timeline]. Taiwan Railways Administration. Retrieved 9 July 2010.
  7. Abbott, James (ed.) Jane’s World Railways, 38th Ed., Coulsdon, Surrey, England, 1996.
  8. "Transportation Research Board Compendium of Papers Online Portal: Sea…". Archived from the original on 28 December 2012.
  9. 交通部台灣鐵路管理局 號誌裝置養護檢查作業程序 [TRA Signalling Equipment Maintenance Inspection Standard Operating Procedures](doc). Banqiao: Taiwan Railways Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications. 2003. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  10. 2007交通部鐵路改建工程局局務概況 [2007 Annual Report Summary](PDF). Railway Reconstruction Bureau, Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
  11. "Taiwan Railway Administration High-Speed Network". Railway Technology. Verdict Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2021. The total project is valued at $13bn and was funded by the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) under a 35-year concession agreement, signed in 1998.
  12. Ministry of Transportation and Communication, Taiwan Railways Administration, Accounting Office. 2008 Statistical Annual Report. Banqiao, Taiwan, 2008. Retrieved from railway.gov.tw on March 15, 2010.
  13. Rail News Speed Report. Typhoon Parma Impacts. In Taiwan Rail News, Volume 192, Page 30, Sanchong, Taiwan, November–December, 2009.
  14. Su, Jiao-Shi (蘇昭旭) (2002). 台灣鐵路車站圖誌[Taiwan Railways Station Pictorial]. JJP Publishing. ISBN   978-986-7916-09-9.
  15. Chen, Shiyi (陳世圯); Huang, F.J. (黃豐鑑). 政府應積極推動鐵路法修正案以協助台鐵渡過經營困境 [Government Should Proactively Promote Railroad Reform Bill to Assist TRA in Overcoming Financial Operating Difficulties]. National Policy Research Foundation, Analysis Report 097-014. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  16. Tseng, Tsingnaw (曾鴻儒) (10 June 2010). 沿線土地多 活化啟生機/都市更新 救台鐵虧損 [Plentiful En-route Real Estate Revitalization and Economic Development/Urban Renewal Helps Taiwan Railways Administration to Recoup Losses]. Liberty Times . Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  17. Reddy, Alla, A. Lu, and T. Wang. Subway Productivity, Profitability, and Performance: A Tale of Five Cities. In Press, TRB Paper No. 10-0487. In Transportation Research Record 2143, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C, 2010.
  18. Hsin-Yin, Lee (23 March 2011). "Creative marketing gives Taiwan railway new life: official". Focus Taiwan News Channel. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
  19. "Sumitomo and Nippon Sharyo wins train sets supply deal in Taiwan". Steel Guru. 10 January 2011. Retrieved 11 January 2011.
  20. 100年春節疏運情形 (Press release) (in Simplified Chinese). MOTC. 8 February 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2011.
  21. Davidson (1903), pp. 620–621: "The first Formosa railway was built by the Chinese government and was completed in 1893. On the arrival of the Japanese, the line, some 100 kilometers in length, came into their possession. It was found to be in such wretched condition, however, that a satisfactory train service could not be maintained. The rolling stock was also limited and entirely unsuited to the requirements.[ citation needed ] Accordingly work was commenced on the line at once. The Kelung-Taihoku branch was completely reconstructed as so to avoid the numerous short curves and the steep grades. The line leading from Taihoku to the south received also some attention, the total cost of these improvements reaching nearly two million yen. The railway was at this time under the direct control of the Military Department. In 1897, it came under the control of the Civil Department. It was the intention at one time to hand it over to the private railway company organized in Japan for the purpose of completing the Formosa railway system. The private railway company, however, failed to obtain public support, and in 1898 the Formosan government announced its intention of carrying on the work itself. Under the able direction of Chief Engineer Hasegawa the plans were soon formulated, and in 1899 work was commenced on the southern line from Takow north to Tainan, a distance of 28 miles. This section was completed in November, 1900. The Kelung and Shinchiku (Teckcham), lines were repaired, much rolling stock was added, and in the fall of 1900 work was commenced on the short branch line from Taihoku, (Taipeh) to Tamsui, (Hobe), which was completed in June 1901. There is a great deal of traffic between the port Tamsui and Taihoku and its suburbs, Banka and Daitotei (Twatutia). The new line runs via Maruyama, Shirin, Hokuto, and Kantau."
  22. 1 2 Davidson (1903), p. 620.
  23. Davidson, James W. (1903). Formosa under Japanese rule. London: Japan Society. p. 47. OCLC   860694076.
  24. "History". Taiwan Railways Administration. Archived from the original on 7 April 2006. Retrieved 19 May 2006.
  25. Davidson (1903), p. 247-8.
  26. Davidson (1903), p. 249.
  27. Davidson (1903), p. 621.
  28. Davidson (1903), p. 621-2.
  29. "New train inaugurated for southern Taiwan". The China Post . 20 November 2007. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
  30. "Steam railway makes nostalgic return on mountain line". The China Post . 6 June 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
  31. Marchant, John Scott (11 November 2011). "Hsinchu's Neiwan line steams back to life". Taiwan Today . Retrieved 16 November 2013.
  32. "Puyuma train launch carries hopes of East Coast travelers". The China Post. 7 February 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  33. "Taitung to be destination for Puyuma by year-end". The China Post . 1 March 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  34. Shan, Shelley (1 January 2014). "High-speed commuter train begins, travels 130kph". Taipei Times .
  35. "TRA's new commuter train hits the tracks for maiden trip". Taiwan News. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  36. Ltd, Hitachi. "A new shape of railway created through dialogues. Rolling stock design for TRA's "EMU3000" : Research & Development : Hitachi". www.hitachi.com. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  37. Chang, Chi; Wang, Shu-fen; Lo, James (26 March 2022). "Final Fu-Hsing Semi Express train to bow out March 29". Central News Agency. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  38. "國營臺灣鐵路股份有限公司設置條例草案總說明" (PDF) (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Executive Yuan. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 June 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  39. Railway Reconstruction Bureau, Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Taipei Main Station, Songshan, Wanhua-Banqiao, Nankang, and Hsinchu-Naiwan Project Briefs. Retrieved from rrb.gov.tw on March 14, 2010.
  40. Vantuono, William C. Reconquering Gotham. In Railway Age, April 2010.
  41. Chen, Wai-Shu (陳韋臻). To Residents Outside Wanhua: Urban Renewal May Someday Demolish Your Home. In POTS Weekly (“破週報”), Taipei. Retrieved from pots.com.tw on October 26, 2010.
  42. Li, Dongming (李東明) (2000). 永遠的北淡線. Taipei: 玉山. ISBN   9789578246324.
  43. Sungho Culture Company Limited. Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communication, TRA Tourism Express Travel Guide (Map), Taipei, 2009.
  44. 1 2 Taiwan National Chiao-Tung University Railway Research Association (國立交通大學鐵路研究會). Taiwan Railways Operation Diagram (Stringline Chart), Version 5. Hsinchu, Taiwan, June 16, 2009.
  45. McKim, Jenifer B. (9 September 2010). "Magic touch? New developers take over NorthPoint". The Boston Globe .
  46. CREATE Program Final Feasibility Plan, August 2005. Retrieved from createprogram.org on October 31, 2010.
  47. Kirby, Matthew and P. Holmes. Taiwan Railways Alignment and Station Maps. Retrieved from taiwanrailways.com on May 11, 2010.
  48. Mo, Yan-Chih. Taipei Bus Station Opens Amid Fears of Heavy Traffic. Retrieved from Taipei Times, Taipei, August 20, 2009 on April 19, 2010.
  49. Bureau of Taiwan High Speed Rail, Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Taiwan North-South High Speed Railway Plan (Unpublished Presentation). Banqiao, Taiwan, January 2010.
  50. Bureau of Taiwan High Speed Rail, Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Taiwan South-North High Speed Railway – Introduction to Mechanical and Electrical Systems Engineering. Banqiao, Taiwan, August 2008.
  51. Lai, Yung-Cheng;Wang, Szu-Han;Jong, Jyh-Cherng. Development of Analytical Capacity Models for Commuter Rail Operations with Advanced Signaling Systems. Transportation Research Board 2011 Annual Meeting. amonline.trb.org Retrieved July 29, 2012.
  52. Taiwan Railway Company LTD. “How One” Taiwan Travel Passport (Taiwan Railways Administration Passenger Schedule), Version 9. Banqiao, Taiwan, January 15, 2010.
  53. Agence France-Presse. Airlines Hit as Taiwan Bullet Train Takes Off. Retrieved from The Standard, Hong Kong, July 19, 2007 on October 26, 2010.
  54. 第二編 一般鐵路/第四章 運轉/第二節 列車運轉[Title II: Conventional Railways, Chapter 4: Operations, Section 2: Consist Operations]. 交通法規/鐵路目/鐵路行車規則 [Law and Regulations Database of the Republic of China. Transportation Law, Railroad Operating Code]. Taipei: Ministry of Justice of the Republic of China. 21 August 2008. Retrieved 11 November 2010. Regulations 65~66
  55. 車票資訊 – 票價計算原則 [Ticket Policy Information: Fare Computation Principle]. Taiwan Railways Administration. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  56. Tsay, Bai-Ling (蔡百靈) (12 September 2010). 93歲鄧有才 – 台鐵最老剪票志工 [93 Years Old Deng Yo-Tsai, Taiwan Railways’ Oldest Ticket-Punching Volunteer]. Liberty Times . Hualien . Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  57. User e88111 from Kaohsiung. Taiwan Railways Volunteer (Poem). In Nameless Station (Blog), December 17, 2008. Retrieved from wretch.cc on October 24, 2010.
  58. 台灣深藍學生聯合論壇 [In Taiwan Deep Blue United Student Bulletin Board System]. Railway Culture Discussion Participant. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  59. Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation. Annual Report 2008. Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation, Taipei, 2009.
  60. Shan, Shelley (8 August 2008). "EasyCard Plan Steaming Ahead". Taipei Times.
  61. 台鐵新版TR PASS 3日券5日券開賣. 卡優新聞網 (in Chinese).
  62. 1 2 3 4 "East Railway Improvement Project". Railway Reconstruction Bureau. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  63. 1 2 3 "Continued Improvements of Eastern Railways". Railway Reconstruction Bureau. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  64. Shu-fen, Wang; Liu, Kay (4 March 2012). "Taipei-Taitung rail journey to be cut by over an hour by 2013". Focus Taiwan News Channel. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  65. Shan, Shelley (5 March 2012). "Shanli Tunnel will alter rail travel time". Taipei Times . Retrieved 4 March 2012.
  66. Lu, Yifeng (27 May 2022). "台鐵公司化三讀通過 交通部年底完成16條子法審議". UDN Taiwan . Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  67. 台鐵新店線路 - Google 我的地圖. Google My Maps.

Sources