Taiwan Railway Administration
Encyclopedia
The Taiwan Railway Administration is an agency of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications
of the Republic of China
responsible for managing, maintaining, and running passenger and freight service on 1097 km of conventional railroad lines in Taiwan
(gauge
: 1067 mm). Since Taiwan is heavily urbanized
with a high population density, railways have played an important part in domestic transportation since the late 19th century. Most of the main lines are fully electrified and service is generally efficient and reliable. In 2009, the system carried 179.3 million passengers, or 491,422 passengers per day.
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 TRA, and is also a major source of competition. To offset this TRA 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).
On December 31, 2010, the TRA 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 (93.2 mph). These eight-car electric multiple unit
s (EMUs) will be delivered from 2012 to 2014 for service on Taroko Express
services running between Taipei and Hualien
on the Eastern Line. The system achieved a single day record on February 5, 2011 during Chinese New Year
celebrations, transporting 724,000 passengers a day.
, a NT$17.792 billion project to move a 4.42 km (2.7 mi) section of railway between Huashan and Wanhua
underground. Work began on the project in July 1983 and was completed by September 1989, eliminating 13 railroad crossings. An extension of the project was approved by the Executive Yuan
on July 20, 1988. The 5.33 km (3.3 mi) project constructed a double-track tunnel (for both conventional rail and high speed rail) extending east towards Songshan
. The NT$27.48 billion project was completed in June 1994.
The "Wanhua-Banciao Project" was another underground railway project in Taipei aimed at the Wanhua and Banqiao
areas. The 15.38 km (9.6 mi) project included the construction of new Banqiao
and Wanhua
stations. Construction began in September 1992, with underground railway operations beginning in July 1999 and tunnel construction for Taiwan High Speed Rail
completed in April 2003. The whole project was completed in 2004. The project also included the construction of a coach yard at Shulin, covering 14.3 ha (143,000 m³) and servicing both diesel multiple units and electric multiple unit
s.
Under the "East Railway Improvement Project", the route between Taipei and Hualien
was electrified. The section between Badu
(in Keelung
) and Taitung
was improved by changing to 50 kg rail, automating traffic signals, and including portions of double tracks. Work began in June 1998 and was completed in December 2004, costing NT$43.691 billion. As part of the project, the New Guanyin Tunnel (at 10307 m (33,815.6 ft), the longest double track railway tunnel in Taiwan) and the New Yongchun Tunnel were constructed. 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. It included the construction of the elevated Dongshan Station as well as two branch lines. The project cost NT$2.779 billion, began on February 2004, and was completed by the end of 2008.
The recently-completed "Shalun Project" was approved on November 5, 2004 and links the TRA and THSR lines around Tainan
. The 6.5 km (4 mi)-long branch line involved the construction of two new elevated stations: Shalun
and Zhongzhou
.
and the Dakeng River (for the TRA and THSR), reconstructing Songshan
and Nangang
stations as underground stations, construction of a 2 km (1.2 mi) mountain tunnel/ramp for the TRA, construction of a 5 km (3.1 mi) elevated railway, and the construction of the Cidu Marshalling Yard and Wudu Freight Yard. At an estimated cost of NT$83.069 billion, the project is expected to eliminate 15 level crossing
s and boost the development of the Nangang District. A project to expand the railway tracks between Nangang and Cidu from a double-track to triple-track system is expected to be completed by December 2012, decreasing the interval between trains during peak hours.
Since the opening of the new Xinzuoying Station in Zuoying
, Kaohsiung
, traffic problems have plagued the area. The "Zuoying Extension Plan of the Kaohsiung Railway Underground Project" aims to construct a 4.13 km (2.6 mi)-long single hold, double-tracked tunnel between Xinzuoying and TRA's Zuoying Station
. Neiwei Station will also be redeveloped as part of this project.
Similar to the Shalun
Project, the Neiwan Branch Line
was approved on September 27, 2004 to connect THSR Hsinchu Station
with Hsinchu City
. The project will eliminate eight railway crossings between Hsinchu and Zhuzhong. The line will total 11.1 km (6.9 mi) and is expected to be completed in 2011.
The "Kaohsiung Project" aims to move railroad lines in Kaohsiung underground as well as the construction of six commuter rail stations. Estimated to cost NT$71.582 billion, the 9.75 km (6.1 mi) tunnel will eliminate six level crossings and fourteen grade separated
crossings and remove the railway barrier along the current route. While planning for the project began in 1998, several pre-construction projects have been completed including the movement of the old Kaohsiung Station and the construction of the Jhongbo temporary elevated bridge. The project is expected to be completed by December 2017, and will also include the construction of a new Kaohsiung Station
.
TRA runs the four main rail lines forming a closed loop around the main island of Taiwan, and three smaller branch lines.
With the exception of the Ordinary trains, all trains are modern and air conditioned. Many of the Ordinary train cars, on the other hand, are almost 40 to 50 years old, and provide an interesting experience for the more historically minded.
had to cede Taiwan
as a result of the First Sino-Japanese War
(1894–1895) to Imperial Japan in 1895. The Official Japanese Annual Report of 1935 states (under title Colonial Railways Section II Taiwan:
Ministry of Transportation and Communications (Republic of China)
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China is a cabinet-level governmental body of the Executive Yuan. It is in charge of all policy and regulation of transportation and communications networks and administration of all transportation and communications operations...
of the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
responsible for managing, maintaining, and running passenger and freight service on 1097 km of conventional railroad lines in Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
(gauge
Rail gauge
Track gauge or rail gauge is the distance between the inner sides of the heads of the two load bearing rails that make up a single railway line. Sixty percent of the world's railways use a standard gauge of . Wider gauges are called broad gauge; smaller gauges, narrow gauge. Break-of-gauge refers...
: 1067 mm). Since Taiwan is heavily urbanized
Urbanization
Urbanization, urbanisation or urban drift is the physical growth of urban areas as a result of global change. The United Nations projected that half of the world's population would live in urban areas at the end of 2008....
with a high population density, railways have played an important part in domestic transportation since the late 19th century. Most of the main lines are fully electrified and service is generally efficient and reliable. In 2009, the system carried 179.3 million passengers, or 491,422 passengers per day.
Overview
Recent growth in the highway systemHighway System in Taiwan
Highways in the Republic of China are classified into four types:# National highways: 1 - 10 # Provincial highways: 1 - 39, 61 - 88 # County routes: 101 - 205# Township routes-The numbering 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
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year – often called Chinese Lunar New Year although it actually is lunisolar – is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is an all East and South-East-Asia celebration...
), though short and intermediate distance travel is still heavily utilized by commuters and students. The high-speed rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail is a high-speed rail line that runs approximately along the west coast of the Republic of China from the national capital of Taipei to the southern city of Kaohsiung...
line is not run by TRA, and is also a major source of competition. To offset this TRA has begun placing an emphasis on tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
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).
On December 31, 2010, the TRA signed a NT$10.6 billion contract with Sumitomo Group
Sumitomo Group
is one of the largest keiretsu, founded by Masatomo Sumitomo.-History:The Sumitomo group traces its roots to a bookshop in Kyoto founded circa 1615 by a former buddhist priest,...
and Nippon Sharyo
Nippon Sharyo
, , formed in 1896, is a major rolling stock manufacturer based in Nagoya, Japan. In 1996, it abbreviated its name to "日本車両" Nippon Sharyō. Its shortest abbreviation is Nissha "日車". It was a listed company on Nikkei 225 until 2004. It is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Nagoya Stock Exchange...
to supply 17 tilting train
Tilting train
A tilting train is a train that has a mechanism enabling increased speed on regular rail tracks. As a train rounds a curve at speed, objects inside the train experience centrifugal force. This can cause packages to slide about or seated passengers to feel squashed by the outboard armrest due to...
sets capable of traveling 150 km/h (93.2 mph). These eight-car electric multiple unit
Electric multiple unit
An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages...
s (EMUs) will be delivered from 2012 to 2014 for service on Taroko Express
Taroko Express
The Train of Taroko Express is a tilting train of the Taiwan Railway Administration. The name of this type of train series is named after the 19 kilometer long Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan's most popular tourist spots and Truku people.The Taroko Express trains are Electrical Multiple Units called...
services running between Taipei and Hualien
Hualien Station
Hualien Station is a railway station of the Taiwan Railway Administration located Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan. It is the terminal station of North-Link Line and the starting station of Hwa-tung Line..- Overview :...
on the Eastern Line. The system achieved a single day record on February 5, 2011 during Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year – often called Chinese Lunar New Year although it actually is lunisolar – is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is an all East and South-East-Asia celebration...
celebrations, transporting 724,000 passengers a day.
Railway reconstruction
Under the Railway Reconstruction Bureau, many projects have been undertaken to modernize the railway system and improve its efficiency.Past projects
Completed projects include the Taipei Railway Underground ProjectTaipei Railway Underground Project
The Taipei Railway Underground Project is an on-going project in the Republic of China capital Taipei to remove surface railway facilities, replacing them with a tunnel and new facilities outside the city limits...
, a NT$17.792 billion project to move a 4.42 km (2.7 mi) section of railway between Huashan and Wanhua
Wanhua Station
Wanhua Station is a Taiwan Railway Administration station located in Wanhua, Taipei, Taiwan.-Overview:The station is divided into east and west buildings. The station entrance, lobby, and ticket counters are located in the west building. The station exit, parcel center, and offices are located in...
underground. Work began on the project in July 1983 and was completed by September 1989, eliminating 13 railroad crossings. An extension of the project was approved by the Executive Yuan
Executive Yuan
The Executive Yuan is the executive branch of the government of the Republic of China , commonly known as "Taiwan".-Organization and structure:...
on July 20, 1988. The 5.33 km (3.3 mi) project constructed a double-track tunnel (for both conventional rail and high speed rail) extending east towards Songshan
Songshan Station
Songshan Station is a train station in Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is served by the Taiwan Railway Administration and will become a terminal station of the Taipei Metro Songshan Line when opens for service in 2013.-Station overview:...
. The NT$27.48 billion project was completed in June 1994.
The "Wanhua-Banciao Project" was another underground railway project in Taipei aimed at the Wanhua and Banqiao
Banqiao District
Banqiao District is the city seat of New Taipei in northern Taiwan . It has the third highest population density in Taiwan. It was formerly the 22nd densest city in the world, with over 24,000 people per square km...
areas. The 15.38 km (9.6 mi) project included the construction of new Banqiao
Banqiao Station
Banqiao Station or Banciao Station is a train station located in Banqiao District, New Taipei, Taiwan. The station serves high-speed rail, conventional rail, and metro trains...
and Wanhua
Wanhua Station
Wanhua Station is a Taiwan Railway Administration station located in Wanhua, Taipei, Taiwan.-Overview:The station is divided into east and west buildings. The station entrance, lobby, and ticket counters are located in the west building. The station exit, parcel center, and offices are located in...
stations. Construction began in September 1992, with underground railway operations beginning in July 1999 and tunnel construction for Taiwan High Speed Rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail is a high-speed rail line that runs approximately along the west coast of the Republic of China from the national capital of Taipei to the southern city of Kaohsiung...
completed in April 2003. The whole project was completed in 2004. The project also included the construction of a coach yard at Shulin, covering 14.3 ha (143,000 m³) and servicing both diesel multiple units and electric multiple unit
Electric multiple unit
An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages...
s.
Under the "East Railway Improvement Project", the route between Taipei and Hualien
Hualien Station
Hualien Station is a railway station of the Taiwan Railway Administration located Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan. It is the terminal station of North-Link Line and the starting station of Hwa-tung Line..- Overview :...
was electrified. The section between Badu
Badu Station
The Badu Station is a railway station of Taiwan Railway Administration Western Line, Yilan Line located at Keelung City, Taiwan.- Nearby stations :Taiwan Railway Administration...
(in Keelung
Keelung
Keelung City is a major port city situated in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It borders New Taipei and forms the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, along with the Taipei and New Taipei. Nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and maritime role, the city is Taiwan's second largest seaport...
) and Taitung
Taitung Station
The Taitung Station is a railway station of Taiwan Railway Administration Hwa-tung Line, South-Link Line located at Taitung City, Taiwan.- Nearby stations :- External links :**...
was improved by changing to 50 kg rail, automating traffic signals, and including portions of double tracks. Work began in June 1998 and was completed in December 2004, costing NT$43.691 billion. As part of the project, the New Guanyin Tunnel (at 10307 m (33,815.6 ft), the longest double track railway tunnel in Taiwan) and the New Yongchun Tunnel were constructed. 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
Dongshan Station
The Dongshan Station is a railway station of Taiwan Railway Administration Yilan Line located at Yilan County, Taiwan.- Nearby stations :Taiwan Railway Administration...
and the Wulaokeng River. It included the construction of the elevated Dongshan Station as well as two branch lines. The project cost NT$2.779 billion, began on February 2004, and was completed by the end of 2008.
The recently-completed "Shalun Project" was approved on November 5, 2004 and links the TRA and THSR lines around Tainan
Tainan
Tainan City is a city in southern Taiwan. It is the fifth largest after New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Taipei. It was formerly a provincial city, and in 2010, the provincial city merged with the adjacent Tainan County to form a single special municipality. Tainan faces the Taiwan Strait in...
. The 6.5 km (4 mi)-long branch line involved the construction of two new elevated stations: Shalun
Shalun Station
Shalun Station is a railway station which opened on January 2, 2011. It is operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration and is a terminal station on the Shalun Line, located in Guiren District, Tainan City, Taiwan. It connects to the THSR Tainan Station....
and Zhongzhou
Zhongzhou Station
Zhongzhou Station is a railway station on the Taiwan Railway Administration Western Line and the Shalun Line in Rende District, Tainan City, Taiwan. Similar to other stations on the line, it is equipped with multiple card-reading machines.- References :...
.
Ongoing projects
The "Nangang Project", expected to be completed by August 2011, includes the construction of two 5.4 km (3.4 mi) tunnels between Keelung RoadKeelung Road
Keelung Road is a major arterial and highway in Taipei, Taiwan, connecting the Neihu district from the MacAuthur 1st Bridge in the east with the Songshan, Xinyi, and Daan districts towards the southwest, with a connection to Yonghe City via the Fuhe Bridge...
and the Dakeng River (for the TRA and THSR), reconstructing Songshan
Songshan Station
Songshan Station is a train station in Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is served by the Taiwan Railway Administration and will become a terminal station of the Taipei Metro Songshan Line when opens for service in 2013.-Station overview:...
and Nangang
Nangang Station
Nangang Station is a major train station located in Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan, parallel to Zhongxiao East Road. The station serves several modes of public transportation, including the bus system, Taiwan Railway Administration, and Taipei Metro...
stations as underground stations, construction of a 2 km (1.2 mi) mountain tunnel/ramp for the TRA, construction of a 5 km (3.1 mi) elevated railway, and the construction of the Cidu Marshalling Yard and Wudu Freight Yard. At an estimated cost of NT$83.069 billion, the project is expected to eliminate 15 level crossing
Level crossing
A level crossing occurs where a railway line is intersected by a road or path onone level, without recourse to a bridge or tunnel. It is a type of at-grade intersection. The term also applies when a light rail line with separate right-of-way or reserved track crosses a road in the same fashion...
s and boost the development of the Nangang District. A project to expand the railway tracks between Nangang and Cidu from a double-track to triple-track system is expected to be completed by December 2012, decreasing the interval between trains during peak hours.
Since the opening of the new Xinzuoying Station in Zuoying
Zuoying District
Zuoying District is an administrative district of Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan.-History:Zuoying was established in the mid-seventeenth century as a military fortress, known as Old Fengshan . It is now the site of Tsoying Harbour, known formerly as Port Saei...
, Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a city located in southwestern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait on the west. Kaohsiung, officially named Kaohsiung City, is divided into thirty-eight districts. The city is one of five special municipalities of the Republic of China...
, traffic problems have plagued the area. The "Zuoying Extension Plan of the Kaohsiung Railway Underground Project" aims to construct a 4.13 km (2.6 mi)-long single hold, double-tracked tunnel between Xinzuoying and TRA's Zuoying Station
Zuoying Station
Zuoying Station is a station on the Taiwan Railway Administration Western Line, located in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. It was opened on November 29, 1900....
. Neiwei Station will also be redeveloped as part of this project.
Similar to the Shalun
Shalun Line
The Shalun Line is a branch line of the Taiwan Railway Administration Western Line in Tainan City, Taiwan. It was built to link the Western Line to the Taiwan High Speed Rail Tainan Station, speeding up transit times between downtown Tainan and the THSR station, with services running from Nanke...
Project, the Neiwan Branch Line
Neiwan Line
]The Neiwan Line is a railway branch line in Taiwan run by the Taiwan Railway Administration. It is located in Hsinchu County.-History:...
was approved on September 27, 2004 to connect THSR Hsinchu Station
THSR Hsinchu Station
THSR Hsinchu Station is an elevated station of Taiwan High Speed Rail located in Zhubei, Hsinchu County, Taiwan. It opened for service in 2006. The THSR Hsinchu Station was designed by Taiwanese architect Kris Yao.-Overview:...
with Hsinchu City
Hsinchu
Hsinchu City is a city in northern Taiwan. Hsinchu is popularly nicknamed "The Windy City" for its windy climate.Hsinchu City is administered as a special municipality within Taiwan . The city is bordered by Hsinchu County to the north and east, Miaoli County to the south, and the Taiwan Strait...
. The project will eliminate eight railway crossings between Hsinchu and Zhuzhong. The line will total 11.1 km (6.9 mi) and is expected to be completed in 2011.
The "Kaohsiung Project" aims to move railroad lines in Kaohsiung underground as well as the construction of six commuter rail stations. Estimated to cost NT$71.582 billion, the 9.75 km (6.1 mi) tunnel will eliminate six level crossings and fourteen grade separated
Grade separation
Grade separation is the method of aligning a junction of two or more transport axes at different heights so that they will not disrupt the traffic flow on other transit routes when they cross each other. The composition of such transport axes does not have to be uniform; it can consist of a...
crossings and remove the railway barrier along the current route. While planning for the project began in 1998, several pre-construction projects have been completed including the movement of the old Kaohsiung Station and the construction of the Jhongbo temporary elevated bridge. The project is expected to be completed by December 2017, and will also include the construction of a new Kaohsiung Station
Kaohsiung Station
Kaohsiung Station is a railway station located in Sanmin District of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China, which serves the Taiwan Railway Administration Western Line, Pingtung Line, Kaohsiung Harbor Line and the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line...
.
Routes
Main Lines
- Western Line (西部幹線): Keelung CityKeelungKeelung City is a major port city situated in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It borders New Taipei and forms the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, along with the Taipei and New Taipei. Nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and maritime role, the city is Taiwan's second largest seaport...
to Kaohsiung CityKaohsiungKaohsiung is a city located in southwestern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait on the west. Kaohsiung, officially named Kaohsiung City, is divided into thirty-eight districts. The city is one of five special municipalities of the Republic of China...
- Taichung LineTaichung LineThe Taichung Line is a line of the Taiwan Railway Administration. It is also known as the Mountain Line. It has a total length of 87.6 km, of which all but 2.1 km is double track....
(台中線): Zhunan, Miaoli to Changhua CityChanghua CityChanghua City is the county seat of Changhua County in Taiwan. For many centuries the site was home to a settlement of Babuza people, a coastal tribe of Taiwanese aborigines. The name of the city is derived from the aboriginal word Poasoa .Changhua is best known for its landmark statue of the Buddha...
; among TaichungTaichung-Demographics:Taichung’s population was an estimated 1,040,725 in August 2006. There are slightly more females in the city than males.24.32% of residents are children, while 16.63% are young people, 52.68% are middle-age, and 6.73% are elderly....
; also known as the Mountain Line. - Coastal Line (海岸線): Zhunan, Miaoli to Changhua CityChanghua CityChanghua City is the county seat of Changhua County in Taiwan. For many centuries the site was home to a settlement of Babuza people, a coastal tribe of Taiwanese aborigines. The name of the city is derived from the aboriginal word Poasoa .Changhua is best known for its landmark statue of the Buddha...
; among DajiaDajia StationDajia Station is a railway station of Taiwan Railway Administration Western Line located at Taichung, Taiwan.- Nearby stations :Taiwan Railway Administration...
, Taichung - Pingtung LinePingtung LineThe Pingtung Line is a line of the Taiwan Railway Administration. It is 61.3 km long, of which 20.9 km is double track. -History:This railroad was completed in 1941.It is electrified with two tracks from Kaohsiung to Pingtung....
(屏東線): Kaohsiung City to Fangliao, PingtungFangliao, PingtungFangliao is a rural township in Pingtung County, Taiwan Province of the Republic of China. It was the site where Japanese forces landed and completed the encirclement of Tainan during Japanese invasion of Taiwan. It is also the location for the filming of the second season of the American show...
- Taichung Line
- Eastern Line (東部幹線):
- Yilan Line (宜蘭線): Badu to Su'ao, YilanSu-ao, YilanSu-ao , located in southern Yilan County, Taiwan, is an urban township that is famous for its seafood restaurants and cold springs. It is the destination of National Highway No. 5, Su-ao-Hualian Express Way, and North-Link Line of Taiwan Railway Administration...
- North-Link LineNorth-Link LineThe North-Link Line is the central section of the Eastern Line of the Taiwan Railway Administration. It has a total length of 86.6 km, including the 7.4 km segment between Beipu and Hualien Port. -History:...
(北迴線): Su'aoxin, Yilan to Hualian City - Hua-tung Line (花東線): Hualian City to Taitung CityTaitung CityTaitung City is the county seat of Taitung County, Taiwan. It lies on the southeast coast of Taiwan facing the Pacific Ocean.The city is served by Taitung Airport. Taitung is a gateway to Green Island and Orchid Island, both of which are very popular among Taiwanese tourists.-History:Taitung...
- Yilan Line (宜蘭線): Badu to Su'ao, Yilan
- South-Link LineSouth-Link LineThe South-Link Line is a line of the Taiwan Railway Administration running along the south end of the island of Taiwan, connecting the eastern and western coasts. It is 98.2 km long, of which 81.4 km is single track...
(南迴線): Fangliao, PingtungFangliao, PingtungFangliao is a rural township in Pingtung County, Taiwan Province of the Republic of China. It was the site where Japanese forces landed and completed the encirclement of Tainan during Japanese invasion of Taiwan. It is also the location for the filming of the second season of the American show...
to Taitung CityTaitung CityTaitung City is the county seat of Taitung County, Taiwan. It lies on the southeast coast of Taiwan facing the Pacific Ocean.The city is served by Taitung Airport. Taitung is a gateway to Green Island and Orchid Island, both of which are very popular among Taiwanese tourists.-History:Taitung...
Passenger service
- Pingxi Line (平溪線): Sandiaoling - Jingtong, New Taipei City
- Linkou LineLinkou LineThe Linkou Line is a railway branch line in Taiwan run by the Taiwan Railway Administration. It is located in Taoyuan County and New Taipei City.-History:...
(林口線): Taoyuan, Touyuan County - Linkou, New Taipei City - Neiwan LineNeiwan Line]The Neiwan Line is a railway branch line in Taiwan run by the Taiwan Railway Administration. It is located in Hsinchu County.-History:...
(內灣線): Hsinchu - Neiwan, Hsinchu County - Old Mountain LineOld Mountain LineThe Old Mountain Line is a railway branch line in Taiwan run by the Taiwan Railway Administration. It is located in Taichung.-Stations:* Sanyi* Shengxing* Yutengping* Tai'an* Houli-References:...
(舊山線): Sanyi - Houli, Miaoli County and Taichung - Chengzhui Line (成追線): Chenggong - Zhuifen, Taichung
- Shalun LineShalun LineThe Shalun Line is a branch line of the Taiwan Railway Administration Western Line in Tainan City, Taiwan. It was built to link the Western Line to the Taiwan High Speed Rail Tainan Station, speeding up transit times between downtown Tainan and the THSR station, with services running from Nanke...
(沙崙線) : Zhongzhou - Shalun, Tainan City - Jiji LineJiji LineThe Jiji Line is a branch line of the Taiwan Railway Administration, located in Changhua and Nantou Counties in Taiwan. The length of the line is 29.7 km.-History:...
(集集線): Ershui, Changhua County - Checheng, Nantou County
Freight only
- Keelung Harbor Line
- Hualien Harbor Line
- Taichung Harbor Line
- Kaohsiung Harbor Line
Redesign
- Shen'ao Line (深澳線): Ruifang, Taipei County - Shenao, Taipei County
- Old Taichung Line (舊山線): Segment located in Miaoli County, closed in 1998. Now a minor tourist attraction. Shengxing Station has been declared a historical site.
Defunct
- Donggang Line (東港線): Zhenan, Pingtung County - Donggang, Pingtung County. Passenger service discontinued in 1991, completely closed in 2002.
- TRA Tamsui Line (淡水線): Taipei - Tamsui, New Taipei City, closed in 1988 for metro construction. Replaced by the Taipei Metro Tamsui Line.
- TRA Xindian LineXindian Line (TRA)The Xindian Line is a non-operational Taiwanese railroad branch line, located in Taipei City and New Taipei City and operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration . It connected the city of Taipei with Xindian District in New Taipei.- History :...
(新店線): WanhuaWanhua StationWanhua Station is a Taiwan Railway Administration station located in Wanhua, Taipei, Taiwan.-Overview:The station is divided into east and west buildings. The station entrance, lobby, and ticket counters are located in the west building. The station exit, parcel center, and offices are located in...
- XindianXindian StationThe Taipei Metro Xindian Station is the southern terminus of the Xindian Line located in Xindian District, New Taipei, Taiwan.-Station overview:...
, closed in 1965. Replaced by the Taipei Metro Xindian LineXindian Line (TRTS)The Taipei Metro Xindian Line is an underground high-capacity line. The -route has 10 stations and is part of the Green Line. The line follows the route of the former TRA Xindian Line, which ceased service in 1965...
on a similar route.
Service
Trains are divided into five classes, higher classes generally stop at fewer stations resulting in faster service. The classes are:- Tzu-ChiangTzu-Chiang TrainTze-Chiang Trains are class of trains operated by the Taiwan Railways Administration . Of the 5 classes operated by the TRA, Tze-Chiang trains are the highest category. Ticketing is done on the basis of mileage...
(Tsu-chiang / 自強): The fastest (and most expensive). Assigned seating. Non-reserved (standing) tickets are also sold at full price. There are 3 types of Tsz-chiang: EMU electric multiple unit (brown, now red), push-pull (orange/silver) and diesel (yellow/silver). Tickets for all 3 types of Tsz-chiang are the same price. - Chu-Kuang (Chu-kwang / 莒光): Second fastest. Assigned seating. Non-reserved tickets are sold at 80% of original price.
- Fu-Hsing (復興): Phased out of normal service. Now only runs between Shulin (Taipei) and Taidong via Hualian Friday-Monday.
- Local Express (區間快車): Usually run on the Sea line and Yilan line. Fu-hsing service at a local train's price. Launched in 2007.
- Local Train (區間車): Short to medium distance commuter train, stops at all stations. No assigned seating. The former EMU (Electric multiple unit / 電車) and DRC (Diesel railcar / 柴客).
- Express / Ordinary (普通): Stops at all stations, no air conditioning, most inexpensive. No assigned seating. Some Express trains (the light blue ones running on West Trunk Line) are air-conditioned while others (dark blue ones) are not equipped with air conditioners. Currently operational only on the southern end of the Western Line and being phased out with termination of service expected by the end of 2006. No longer running on the west coast.
- Diesel Express: Only available on East Trunk Line and South Link Line. Mainly serve as commuter trains. No air conditioning. Tickets are the same price as Express and Ordinary.
- Taroko ExpressTaroko ExpressThe Train of Taroko Express is a tilting train of the Taiwan Railway Administration. The name of this type of train series is named after the 19 kilometer long Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan's most popular tourist spots and Truku people.The Taroko Express trains are Electrical Multiple Units called...
(太魯閣號): An express train service operating between Hualien and Hsinchu or Changhua, via Taipei. Uses tilting trains.
With the exception of the Ordinary trains, all trains are modern and air conditioned. Many of the Ordinary train cars, on the other hand, are almost 40 to 50 years old, and provide an interesting experience for the more historically minded.
History
Imperial ChinaLate Imperial China
Late Imperial China refers to the period between the end of Mongol rule in 1368 and the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912 and includes the Ming and Qing Dynasties...
had to cede Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
as a result of the First Sino-Japanese War
First Sino-Japanese War
The First Sino-Japanese War was fought between Qing Dynasty China and Meiji Japan, primarily over control of Korea...
(1894–1895) to Imperial Japan in 1895. The Official Japanese Annual Report of 1935 states (under title Colonial Railways Section II Taiwan:
- 1887: Construction begins on first railway in Taiwan between KeelungKeelungKeelung City is a major port city situated in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It borders New Taipei and forms the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, along with the Taipei and New Taipei. Nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and maritime role, the city is Taiwan's second largest seaport...
and TaipeiTaipeiTaipei City is the capital of the Republic of China and the central city of the largest metropolitan area of Taiwan. Situated at the northern tip of the island, Taipei is located on the Tamsui River, and is about 25 km southwest of Keelung, its port on the Pacific Ocean...
by Qing DynastyQing DynastyThe Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912 with a brief, abortive restoration in 1917. It was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China....
governor Liu Ming-chuan - 1891: First rail line completed
- 1895: Taiwan ceded to JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
by ChinaChinaChinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
following the end of the First Sino-Japanese WarFirst Sino-Japanese WarThe First Sino-Japanese War was fought between Qing Dynasty China and Meiji Japan, primarily over control of Korea...
. Ministry of Taiwan Railway established by the Japanese Government. - 1908: The Japanese colonial government extends the railways to KaohsiungKaohsiungKaohsiung is a city located in southwestern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait on the west. Kaohsiung, officially named Kaohsiung City, is divided into thirty-eight districts. The city is one of five special municipalities of the Republic of China...
. - 1922: Coastal Line (Zhunan - Changhua) completed.
- 1924: Yilan Line (Badu - Su-ao) completed.
- 1926: Huatung Line (Hualien - TaitungTaitung CityTaitung City is the county seat of Taitung County, Taiwan. It lies on the southeast coast of Taiwan facing the Pacific Ocean.The city is served by Taitung Airport. Taitung is a gateway to Green Island and Orchid Island, both of which are very popular among Taiwanese tourists.-History:Taitung...
) completed. - 1941: Pingtung Line (KaohsiungKaohsiungKaohsiung is a city located in southwestern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait on the west. Kaohsiung, officially named Kaohsiung City, is divided into thirty-eight districts. The city is one of five special municipalities of the Republic of China...
- Fangliao) completed. - 1940-1945: The railways are repeatedly bombed by the Allies during World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. - 1945: Taiwan is handed over to the ROCRepublic of ChinaThe Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
, Taiwan Railway Administration established. - 1979: Western Line fully electrified. North-link line completed.
- 1989: Rail lines running through downtown TaipeiTaipeiTaipei City is the capital of the Republic of China and the central city of the largest metropolitan area of Taiwan. Situated at the northern tip of the island, Taipei is located on the Tamsui River, and is about 25 km southwest of Keelung, its port on the Pacific Ocean...
moved underground. New Taipei Main Station completed. - 1991: South-link Line completed, completing the rail loop around Taiwan.
- 1997: Online reservations become available.
- 2000: Yilan Line electrified.
- 2001: Various special trains targeting tourists are offered.
- 2003: North-link Line electrified.
- 2007: Launch of Local Express trains with the delivery of Taiwan Railway EMU700 seriesTaiwan Railway EMU700 seriesEMU700 is a series of train operated by Taiwan Railway Administration.It adopts current rules of Taiwan Railway Administration called RAMS:Reliability;Availability;Maintainability;System Safety....
. - 2010: Fu-hsing (Fu-shing / 復興) trains of the Taiwan Railway Administration network were scheduled to be phased out completely after December 21, 2010.
See also
- Rail transport in TaiwanRail transport in TaiwanTaiwan has an extensive network of railways . Though no longer as dominant as it once was, Taiwan's high population density continues to make rail transport an extremely important form of transportation, especially along the densely populated western corridor...
- Taiwan High Speed RailTaiwan High Speed RailTaiwan High Speed Rail is a high-speed rail line that runs approximately along the west coast of the Republic of China from the national capital of Taipei to the southern city of Kaohsiung...
- Transportation in TaiwanTransportation in TaiwanThe Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China is the cabinet level governing body for the transportation network of Taiwan and the rest of the Republic of China .- Roads :...
- Taipei Main StationTaipei Main StationTaipei Station, also called Taipei Railway Station or Taipei Main Station , refers to the old downtown region in Taipei City, Taiwan, where different modes of public transport systems converge; the station is at the center of this region...
- Taroko ExpressTaroko ExpressThe Train of Taroko Express is a tilting train of the Taiwan Railway Administration. The name of this type of train series is named after the 19 kilometer long Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan's most popular tourist spots and Truku people.The Taroko Express trains are Electrical Multiple Units called...
External links
- Taiwan Railway Administration
- Useful, user-friendly English website, including routes and schedules: Taiwan Railway Administration (English website)