HSR Fare Hike Confirmed: Comprehensive Review, Implementation Timeline, and Future Plans Revealed

Taiwan High Speed Rail has procured 12 new-generation trains, the 'N700ST,' from Japan. The first train officially arrived at Kaohsiung Port Pier 74 yesterday (15th) and a welcoming ceremony was held. It is scheduled to enter commercial service on July 1 next year. Chairman Shi Zhe stated that following the launch of the new trains, the company will review fares that have remained unchanged for 20 years. In response, Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai emphasized that fare discussions should only begin after ensuring the public is 'satisfied with the service.' The new fare plan is expected to be formally implemented after September 2028.

HSR's new N700ST train arrives in Taiwan! Chairman Shi Zhe announces fare review by next July; Transportation Ministry reveals earliest possible price hike timeline

According to Central News Agency, HSR Chairman Shi Zhe noted that when the older 700T model arrived 22 years ago, it was mocked by the public. However, daily ridership has grown from 46,000 passengers at launch in 2007 to an expected 230,000 this year. With the phased introduction of 12 new-generation N700ST trains, ride quality will significantly improve. The company will also review the replacement of the existing 34 older train sets.

In response to the arrival of the new-generation trains, Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai expressed three expectations:

· Safety First: After the new trains arrive, strengthen professional training and talent development for maintenance staff to solidify public trust.

· Capacity Enhancement: As ridership grows, HSR's capacity expansion must meet Taiwan's social development and public needs.

· Service 2.0: Beyond new trains, station facilities, ticketing, and customer service—both hardware and software—must reach '2.0 standards.'

HSR fares unchanged for 20 years! Implementation timeline and flexible pricing plans revealed

At the ceremony, Chairman Shi Zhe called on the Ministry of Transportation, stating that after the new trains launch on July 1, 2025, and ride quality improves, the company will review fares that have not been adjusted in 20 years. Minister Chen emphasized that fare discussions can only begin after HSR 2.0 is advanced and the public is satisfied with the service.

Item Category Planned Content and Estimated Timeline Fare Review Proposal Expected to be proposed in July 2025 Earliest Implementation Time After September 2028 (after all 12 new trains are fully deployed) Future Fare Adjustment Direction Planning for diversified and flexible pricing, including more flexible early-bird schemes, discounts based on trip purpose, and differentiated rates for short/long-distance or express services (differential rates between new and old trains still under discussion)

Q1: When can we ride the new HSR N700ST train? A: The first N700ST train arrived at Kaohsiung Port today. After subsequent testing, it is scheduled to officially enter commercial service on July 1 next year.

Q2: When will HSR fares increase? How will they change in the future? A: HSR plans to propose a fare increase plan in July next year, with the earliest implementation expected after September 2028, once all 12 new trains are fully deployed. Future fares will move toward flexible discounts, segmented pricing by trip length, and express service differentiation.

Source: Taiwan High Speed Rail