Taiwan Railways Announces Major Schedule Overhaul, Adjusting 653 Services

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is implementing a significant timetable overhaul on July 1, adjusting 653 train services, the largest revision in recent years. The changes focus on four key areas: enhancing west line express service efficiency, increasing frequency during peak commuting hours, boosting capacity on the east line between Taipei and Yilan, and improving service quality with the new EMU3000 Tze-Chiang train fleet.

To improve west line express services, TRA will optimize schedules, upgrade train equipment, and adjust stops for some express trains, particularly benefiting commuters in Taoyuan and Hsinchu. On weekends, two additional Puyuma express trains will run between Taipei and Hsinchu. This adjustment is expected to increase weekday capacity by 7.9% and weekend capacity by 16.9% on the north-central route.

During weekday peak hours, TRA will increase service frequency in metropolitan areas to reduce waiting times and improve the commuting experience. In northern Taiwan, two EMU900 commuter rapid trains will run between Qidu and Puxin, increasing commuter train capacity by 4.8%. In southern Taiwan, two Tze-Chiang trains will operate between Chaozhou and Xinying, boosting peak hour Tze-Chiang capacity by 3.5%. The Liujia branch line will see 12 additional commuter trains daily during peak hours, a 17% capacity increase.

On the east line, TRA will add stops at Jiaoxi station for some Tze-Chiang trains and introduce two EMU3000 New Tze-Chiang trains between Taipei and Hualien on weekends. These measures aim to distribute travel demand and alleviate congestion on National Freeway No. 5. The new EMU3000 trains will become the primary rolling stock for intercity transport, offering enhanced comfort and convenience. This upgrade will also see the replacement of six PP Tze-Chiang train sets and four Puyuma express trains, increasing west line Tze-Chiang capacity by 8.6%. TRA has printed 80,000 timetable booklets, available for free at major stations starting June 30.