Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp (THSRC) has unveiled the first of 12 N700ST trainsets ordered from the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium, marking a significant step in boosting the line’s capacity. The unveiling took place in Japan on 30 April 2026, with THSRC Chairman Shih Che present to inspect the new rolling stock.
A new era for Taiwanese high speed rail
The NT$25.8bn (€740m) order for the N700ST sets was placed in May 2023, with deliveries scheduled to run from August 2026 through the end of 2028. The first trains are expected to enter commercial service in August 2027, just 100 days after the first delivery.
Once operational, the new trains will increase peak-hour capacity on the line by 25%, addressing growing ridership and the opening of new stations.
The N700ST trainsets are based on Japan’s N700S Series Shinkansen, which has been in service since 2020. The Taiwanese variant will feature 12 cars per trainset, similar to the existing N700T fleet. The N700S series is known for its advanced technology, including tilting capability and a maximum design speed of 360 km/h, though operational speeds vary by line.
Design and technical improvements
The N700ST trainsets are 13 tonnes lighter and more aerodynamic than THSRC’s existing N700T fleet, which is based on Japan’s 700 Series design. Chairman Shih Che likened the train’s exterior shape to a platypus, noting that the aerodynamic design reduces noise by 3 decibels and decreases vibration, especially when entering tunnels. The weight reduction is attributed to optimisations in car body materials and structural design, which also help to lower operational energy consumption.
The trains feature advanced shock absorbers and noise reduction systems, similar to those used on models in service in Japan. Additionally, sinks, coat hooks, and baby seats in the nursery rooms have been redesigned, and charging facilities have been added. The number of spaces for wheelchair users has been increased to six, and wheelchair-securing equipment has been installed.
Fleet renewal and future prospects
THSRC currently operates a fleet of 34 N700T high speed trainsets, with 30 of these 12-car sets delivered for the opening of the Taiwanese high speed line in 2007, and four more ordered in 2012 and delivered in 2015. The introduction of the N700ST trainsets represents the line’s first large-scale fleet renewal in over 18 years.
The N700ST trainsets are part of a broader effort to modernise the Taiwan High Speed Rail system, which currently uses Japan’s Shinkansen technology. The new trains are expected to set a new standard for comfort, efficiency, and accessibility on the line.
Let’s go in 2026?
Taiwan is on my personal radar for later this year, but I don’t dare to book. Firstly because my employer must approve (or not) my vacation request. I will know more in a few months.
Secondly I’m keeping an eye on world events. Will there be affordable flights? Will activities – fuel! – in Taiwan be compromised? How is the Strait of Hormuz crisis evolving?
I visited Taiwan for the first time in 2017. It was there Danny suggested we’d start a travel blog, which became Trip By Trip. Actually, we decided on the name and the platform, WordPress, there.
But I didn’t really blog about Taiwan then.