Taiwan, August 2026 – Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp (THSRC) is entering a new phase of fleet expansion following the shipment of its first N700ST high-speed train from Japan. The new trains are based on Central Japan Railway’s N700S Shinkansen and are being supplied by the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium.
THSRC ordered 12 trainsets, comprising 144 cars, under a contract signed in 2023. The first 12-car set has now been shipped to Taiwan, with the fleet scheduled to enter commercial operation progressively from 2027 and all 12 sets expected to be in service by the end of 2028. The N700ST is designed for Taiwan’s operating environment and incorporates a lighter structure, improved energy efficiency, active suspension and upgraded passenger facilities.
The additional rolling stock is intended to support a substantial increase in service capacity. THSRC plans to raise weekly train services from 1,134 to about 1,400, while peak-period transport capacity is expected to increase by approximately 25%. The operator is also preparing its largest timetable revision since 2015, potentially introducing direct “super express” services between northern and southern Taiwan.
The fleet expansion also requires corresponding investment in railway maintenance and depot infrastructure. THSRC has committed more than NT$30 billion to facility construction and equipment upgrades, including new maintenance systems at its Yanchao depot in Kaohsiung. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is supplying equipment to support inspection and maintenance of the new N700ST fleet, with some systems designed to also support existing trains.
The development reflects the wider evolution of Taiwan’s high-speed rail system from a relatively new intercity service into a critical component of the country’s transport network. With passenger demand continuing to grow and the operator planning higher frequencies, the introduction of the N700ST fleet demonstrates how rolling-stock renewal, maintenance capability and timetable optimisation can be combined to expand capacity without requiring an immediate expansion of the existing high-speed corridor.
Source: Nikkei Asia
Taiwan High-Speed Rail Expands Capacity With New Japanese Trains
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Growing passenger demand is prompting high-speed rail operators across Asia to invest in additional rolling stock and higher service capacity. Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp is preparing to introduce a new fleet of Japan-built N700ST trains, alongside a major timetable overhaul aimed at increasing frequency and strengthening the network’s role in national mobility.
