Taiwan Railways to Retire 'Pig Head' Tze-Chiang, Chu-Kuang Trains in Major Schedule Overhaul

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is set to implement its largest timetable revision in years on July 1, adjusting 653 train services across the island. This significant overhaul aims to boost operational efficiency, increase train frequency during peak commuting hours, and enhance capacity on the eastern line, particularly between Taipei and Yilan.

A notable change will be the retirement of the older "Pig Head" E1000 series push-pull Tze-Chiang express train, which will be converted to reserve status. After being phased out from the eastern main line earlier this year, only six sets remained in operation. The TRA is also retiring four Chu-Kuang train services due to aging rolling stock, frame corrosion, and reaching their replacement deadlines, prioritizing travel safety.

The Tze-Chiang express train, Taiwan's first push-pull train featuring a double-engine setup with unpowered carriages in between and a streamlined design, has been gradually replaced by newer E500 electric locomotives. Future Tze-Chiang services will utilize the original PP train car sets but with the new E500 locomotives.

Similarly, the Chu-Kuang trains, nicknamed "Electric Pot Heads," are being phased out. The TRA is simplifying its fleet and replacing these older trains with the new EMU3000 series New Tze-Chiang trains and Puyuma trains to maintain service capacity and ensure operational safety. This move is part of a broader effort to modernize the fleet and improve service quality.