HSR Ticket Fares to Increase! '20-Year Price Freeze Adjustment' Revealed with 3 Key Measures, Chairman Shares Latest Progress

The first set of Taiwan High Speed Rail's 12 new-generation 'N700ST' trains, procured from Japan, has successfully arrived at Kaohsiung Port and completed its unloading ceremony today (15th), despite weather-related delays. Taiwan High Speed Rail Chairman Shih Che attended the event and announced that with the new trains officially entering service on July 1, 2027, the company will initiate a fare review mechanism for its ticket pricing structure, which has remained unchanged for 20 years, to ensure long-term financial sustainability. The Ministry of Transportation responded that fare adjustments are contingent upon the successful integration of the new trains, significant service quality improvements, and public satisfaction. Future fare adjustment plans will incorporate flexible pricing and diverse discount measures.

First N700ST Train Arrives at Kaohsiung Port! Shih Che Reveals Three Major Challenges and Announces 20-Year Fare Review

The first N700ST train set, assembled at Japan's Kurashiki Works, departed port but experienced reduced speed due to typhoons and strong southwest monsoon flows. It has now safely berthed at Kaohsiung Port's Pier 74. The first 12-car set will take two days to complete side-lifting unloading operations from the vessel and will then be transported overland to the Yanchao General Maintenance Depot during three consecutive late-night periods.

After arriving at the depot, the new train will undergo assembly and static testing, scheduled for completion by November 2026. This will be followed by a three-phase dynamic testing process covering 69 detailed items, including traction, braking, and onboard service facilities, with acceptance planned for completion by the end of April 2027 to ensure safe operations.

Shih Che Outlines Three Major Operational Challenges for HSR: Dual-Model Maintenance, Financial Sustainability, and Service Upgrades

In contrast to the skepticism surrounding the arrival of the 700T trains 22 years ago, HSR's average daily ridership has grown dramatically from 46,000 at launch to 230,000 today. Shih Che pointed out that with the introduction of the new fleet, HSR will face three major operational challenges:

Dual-Model Maintenance: HSR will enter a mixed-operation mode with both 700T and N700ST train models. Since vehicle maintenance relies entirely on a nightly maintenance window of less than five hours, the logistics team must complete system integration and stabilization within two years.

Financial Sustainability and Fare Review: To maintain long-term financial health and progressively replace the existing 34 older train sets, HSR will review its ticket pricing structure—unchanged for nearly 20 years—starting July 1, 2027, when the new trains officially enter service.

Deepening 'HSR 2.0' Service: HSR will continue upgrading station facilities, optimizing communication quality across the entire line, and expanding recruitment of drivers and maintenance personnel to enhance overall operational capacity.

Regarding fare adjustments, the revised fare plan is expected to be proposed in July 2027 and implemented after all 12 new train sets are fully operational by September 2028. The future fare system will adopt flexible and differentiated pricing, with rates designed based on train type (express or local), train model (new or old), and journey length. This will be accompanied by expanded early-bird and targeted group discounts to balance operational costs and passenger rights.

Taiwan High Speed Rail N700ST New Train Introduction and Fare Review Timeline

Timeline Item / Phase Progress Detailed Description August 15, 2026 First Train Set Arrives in Taiwan The first N700ST train set successfully arrives at Kaohsiung Port, commencing unloading and overland transfer operations. November 2026 Factory Static Testing Complete train assembly and static functional inspection at the Yanchao General Maintenance Depot. December 2026 – April 2027 Mainline Dynamic Testing Advance a three-phase testing process covering 69 detailed items, including traction, braking systems, and service facilities. July 1, 2027 New Trains Officially Enter Service The first N700ST begins passenger operations; HSR officially initiates the fare review mechanism and proposes adjustment plans. 2026–2028 Remaining Sets Delivered in Batches The remaining 11 N700ST train sets will arrive in Taiwan sequentially for assembly and acceptance. September 2028 All 12 New Trains Fully Operational All new trains enter service, expanding the fleet size to 46 sets; the new diversified fare plan is expected to be implemented.