Typhoon Work and School Suspension: Are TRA, THSR, and MRT Running? Full Overview of Taiwan's Transportation Adjustments

Typhoon Bavi is approaching Taiwan, and the Central Weather Bureau has issued a maritime typhoon warning. According to the latest announcement from the Executive Yuan's Personnel Administration Bureau, 12 counties and cities—including Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Keelung City, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City, Miaoli County, Yilan County, Hualien County, and Lienchiang County—have officially announced work and school suspensions for July 10. In response to widespread typhoon preparedness measures, land transportation systems and public transit services across Taiwan are experiencing varying degrees of reduced service and operational changes today. To help people who must travel stay informed, below is a summary of the latest operating status and refund guidelines for Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), local metro systems, and the Alishan Forest Railway.

How Do THSR and Alishan Forest Railway Differ in Operations and Refund Rules?

Regarding high-speed rail, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation stated that as of July 10, all THSR lines are operating normally. However, operations will be dynamically adjusted based on the typhoon’s latest developments. THSR specifically warned that if wind speed or rainfall exceeds safety thresholds on certain sections, trains will operate at reduced speeds. Due to potential minor delays from speed restrictions, passengers are advised to allow ample time for transfers and connections.

For ticket refunds, passengers who purchased tickets between the issuance and lifting of the maritime typhoon warning can apply for a full refund at any THSR station within one year of their scheduled travel date, provided the ticket remains unused—no handling fee will be charged, regardless of whether the train operated normally.

However, if delays occur due to speed restrictions caused by natural disasters, the late-arrival refund policy does not apply. Meanwhile, the Alishan Forest Railway announced a preventive suspension of all services from July 10 to July 12. Passengers with existing reservations can receive a full refund within one year of their original travel date at any Alishan Railway station or at Uni-President convenience stores across Taiwan.

When Will TRA Announce Train Operations After 6 PM?

State-owned Taiwan Railway Corporation has formally established a Level 1 emergency response team in response to the maritime typhoon warning for Typhoon Bavi and has made urgent adjustments to train operations and east-bound evacuation services. TRA stated that all train services across the network will operate normally until 6:00 PM on July 10. For train operations after 6:00 PM, TRA will closely monitor the typhoon’s latest developments and issue a special press release by 2:00 PM today.

Additionally, regarding the highly anticipated northbound evacuation needs of residents in Hualien and Taitung, TRA announced that on July 9 and 10, EMU3000 New Tzu-Chiang express trains on the Eastern Trunk Line traveling west via the North-Link and South-Link Lines will specially open sales for "same-day standing tickets" to increase overall capacity. However, passengers holding standing tickets are not permitted to enter Car No. 6 (Tengyun Cabin), and EMU3000 New Tzu-Chiang trains do not accept electronic tickets—passengers are advised to take note.

Regarding specific train cancellations and refund changes, TRA confirmed the complete cancellation of Train No. 452 (Tzu-Chiang Express from Shulin to Xinzuoying) on July 10, which crosses into the next day. For tourist trains, the Blue Skin No Worries, Sea Breeze, and Mountain Mist services on July 10 and 11 are all suspended. The鸣日号 (Mingri) tour on July 10 and the Mingri Kitchen experience on July 11 are also canceled. Passengers wishing to check the latest train operation information before traveling can visit the TRA official website or call the 24-hour customer service hotline at (02) 2191-0096 or 0800-765-888.

For refunds, passengers who purchased tickets for any train service between the issuance and lifting of the maritime typhoon warning can apply for a full refund at any station within one year of their scheduled travel date, provided the ticket is unused and unvalidated—no handling fee will be charged. Round-trip tickets may be processed together.

How Are Headways Adjusted Across Taiwan's Five Major Metro Systems and Airport MRT?

Local metro operators have also adjusted train frequencies in response to the typhoon-related suspension. The latest transportation updates are as follows:

### Taipei Metro

All lines are operating normally today, but headways on high- and medium-capacity lines (Wenhu Line, Tamsui–Xinyi Line, Songshan–Xindian Line, Bannan Line, and Zhonghe–Xinlu Line) have been extended to approximately 12 minutes. Headways on overlapping sections such as Nanshijiao to Dapietou stations are about 6 minutes. Each line will be dynamically adjusted based on actual ridership and wind speed at elevated sections.

### New Taipei Metro

All lines are operating normally today, but headways have been universally extended. Danhai Light Rail has adjusted headways to 30 minutes (15 minutes on the V01–V09 overlapping section); Ankeng Light Rail headways are 30 minutes; and both the Circular Line and SanYing Line have adjusted headways to 15 minutes.

### Taoyuan Airport MRT

All lines are operating normally today. Both express and commuter trains are running on holiday schedules, with operations subject to dynamic adjustments based on real-time wind speed impacts.

### Taichung Metro

All lines are operating normally today. When average wind speed reaches level 7, trains will reduce speed to 40 km/h. If average wind speed reaches level 8 or gusts reach level 10, trains will temporarily suspend operations.

### Kaohsiung Metro and Kaohsiung Light Rail

All lines are maintaining normal operations today. Overall operations will continue to be closely monitored and adjusted in real time based on the typhoon’s trajectory.