Taiwan's High-Speed Rail Fleet Modernization: SYSTRA Leads Safety Assessment

TAIPEI, February 2026 — Taiwan's high-speed rail network, a vital artery for the island's connectivity, is entering a new phase of technological advancement. This initiative underscores the region's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its modern rail infrastructure to meet evolving demands for safety and efficiency.

SYSTRA has secured a significant contract to conduct independent safety assessments for upgraded on-board automatic train control (ATC) systems on the high-speed trainsets. This collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), which developed the new ATC technology based on Japan's Shinkansen N700S, is crucial for renewing key systems on the fleet, which has been operational since 2007.

The project's focus on rigorous safety verification, adhering to European standards EN 50126 and EN 50128, highlights the increasing importance of robust system assurance in complex rail upgrades. This work will ensure the reliability, maintainability, and availability of the modernized fleet, impacting passenger safety and operational continuity.

This contract marks SYSTRA's return to Taiwan's high-speed rail sector, building on its extensive experience from the network's initial development between 1990 and 2007. The company's previous roles as Independent Checking Engineer and Independent Site Engineer provide a strong foundation for its current responsibilities.

The collaboration between European and Japanese rail engineering expertise in this modernization effort reflects a growing trend in Asia's rail sector, where international partnerships are key to adopting cutting-edge technologies and maintaining world-class operational standards.

Source: Railway-News