Upcoming Changes in Taiwan's Rail Network: More Trains, Less Congestion
Enhanced Train Services to Commence on Taiwan Railways Starting June 26th
Taiwan Railway Corp (TRC) is set to shake up rail travel starting June 26, 2025, with additional services across key routes!
On the Eastern Trunk Line, the much-anticipated Tze-Chiang Express trains are slated to begin operations following the reconstruction of Siaocingshui Bridge between Heren and Chongde stations in Hualien County. The bridge was rebuilt after being devastated by Typhoon Gaemi in August 2023. With dual-track operations resumed in December 2023, travel times between Taipei and Hualien have experienced a significant reduction [1].
The new service, kicking off on June 26, will run between Shulin Station in New Taipei City and Taitung Station, with stops only in Taipei and Hualien [1].
On the Western Trunk Line, two new Tze-Chiang Express services will be added on Saturdays between Cidu in Keelung and Changhua County, boosting passenger capacity on the direct services between Taipei, Taichung's Fongyuan District (豐原), and Taichung [1].
In additional moves to alleviate congestion, TRC will add two carriages to each of the 22 local trains running between Keelung and Hsinchu, increasing them to 10-car formations. A new local morning service will also launch between Jhongli (中壢) in Taoyuan and Cidu, aimed at commuters battling morning rush hour crowds [1].
As a result, local train capacity in northern Taiwan is expected to rise by 4.4 percent overall and by 10.3 percent during the morning rush hour [1].
Central Taiwan will also witness a capacity boost following the completion of a project to extend station platforms to accommodate 10-car trains, up from the current eight-car configuration. Additionally, the routes of two Semi Express services between Cidu and Changhua will be extended to Sinzuoying (新左營) in Kaohsiung on weekends and public holidays, further increasing overall local train capacity [1].
In total, 386 train services will operate under the revised schedule, with group ticket reservations for the new services opening on May 23 and general ticket sales beginning on May 29 [1].
Now, let's not forget about the gigantic energy wave! State-run Taiwan Power Co (Taipower) announced in 2025 that around 26,000 high-voltage electricity users would face higher summer rates from May 16 through mid-October. These rates, aimed at encouraging electricity conservation during peak demand months, typically apply from June to September. However, following the challenges of climate change, the Ministry of Economic Affairs extended the surcharge period for high and extra high-voltage consumers [2]. These users, comprising less than 1 percent of electricity customers in Taiwan, consume over 60 percent of the electricity [2].
Meanwhile, residential and small business users across Taiwan will continue paying summer rates over the standard period, from June 1 to Sept. 30 [2]. Keep in mind that the 2023 information provided earlier pertains to upgrades and new services starting in 2025; no detailed information on changes in 2023 is available [1].
Stay tuned for more updates on Taiwan's rail network!
Source & References:
- Taiwan Railway Corp (TRC). (2025). Press Release: TRC Announces New Train Services Starting June 26, 2025. Retrieved on May 22, 2025.
- Taiwan Power Co. (2025). Press Release: Increased Summer Rates for High-Voltage Users Starting May 16, 2025. Retrieved on May 22, 2025.
The upcoming changes in Taiwan's rail network have created opportunities for various industries, as the Taiwan Railway Corp (TRC) is planning to introduce additional services, particularly the Tze-Chiang Express trains, in key transportation routes. To finance these transformations, the TRC may need to secure funding, which may involve collaborations with financial institutions.
The new Tze-Chiang Express trains, increasing transportation capacity, are expected to reduce congestion in key railways, and their execution could also potentially generate revenue from increased ticket sales, positively impacting the transportation and finance sectors in Taiwan.
