Railway
systems

Date: 2023-03-31

The development of railway infrastructure will support Taiwan's growth for the next 30 years through comprehensive planning for the nation's rail systems, including main trunk lines, inter-city services and intra-city rail. Since 2017, the program has targeted five areas with the objective of bringing seamless connections and user-friendly features to Taiwan's railway system, making travel easier, safer and more reliable. This in turn will create industrial opportunities, enhance the appeal of rail tourism, ensure sustainable operations and promote balanced regional development.

Five targeted areas

■ Link high speed and conventional rail systems into an integrated network: Improve transfer services between conventional and high speed rail stations. Assess the feasibility of extending high speed rail farther south to Pingtung.

■ Upgrade conventional railways, improve services in eastern Taiwan: Complete full electrification of the nationwide rail network. Construct dual tracks along the entire Hualien-Taitung line and integrate ticketing systems in order to increase the line's capacity.

■ Elevate or move tracks underground, speed up commuter services: Remove level crossings in urban areas to promote more efficient use of land and general development. Shorten conventional rail commuting times. Expand transfer capabilities along urban stretches, and integrate regional services of conventional and high speed rail systems.

■ Promote urban mass rapid transit: Provide seamless, quality rail transport services to alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas. Introduce a "tram-train" rail system to extend service to more areas.

■ Build tourism-oriented rail systems for central and southern Taiwan: Combine railway transportation with tourism travel to boost tourism and local businesses. Improve facilities on branch lines and ensure service quality on those lines.