Taiwan High Speed Rail resumes normal operations on 5/26 after successful repairs

Central News Agency reporter Yu Hsiao-han, Taipei, May 26. Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) experienced a signal abnormality yesterday, leading to reduced operations throughout the day. Following all-day repairs, the signal system was confirmed to be back to normal, and the rail will operate according to the regular schedule today. Due to the signal issue yesterday, THSR adjusted its schedule starting at 8:00 AM, canceling original services and replacing them with three all-reserved-seat trains per hour from Nangang (southbound) and Zuoying (northbound), stopping at every station. THSR stated in a press release today that maintenance crews stood by at 11:30 PM last night and began repairs immediately after the last train passed, confirming the system was restored at 1:43 AM today. THSR Chairman Shih Che presided over an emergency meeting at 3:30 AM to confirm all facilities were functioning normally and to thank the maintenance staff for their tireless efforts. THSR noted that it has preserved the replaced equipment and will work with the manufacturer and third parties to clarify the root cause. The company expressed sincere apologies for the delays and will provide snacks and water to passengers at all stations this morning. Regarding concerns about an increase in operational anomalies, THSR clarified that out of 42 incidents last year, 20 were caused by typhoons or earthquakes, and only 3 were due to human error. The current fault is believed to be the first instance of an abnormality in the Switch Machine Control (SMC) power module, which is part of a three-year signal system upgrade project. Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai also apologized on Facebook, stating he had convened an emergency meeting to assist in the recovery.