TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR, 台灣高鐵) has reached new heights in ridership and revenue post-pandemic, with services increasing from 1,016 to 1,103 weekly since July 2024. Despite adding 87 services, peak hours remain congested. The rail system recorded 73.08 million passengers in 2023, marking a 34.94% increase from the previous year, while revenue exceeded NT$49.8 billion.
Cheng Yung-hsiang (鄭永祥), a professor at National Cheng Kung University's (NCKU, 成功大學) Department of Transportation and Communication Management Science (交通管理系), attributed this growth to effective marketing strategies. Initiatives like Early Bird Discounts (早鳥票), student tickets (大學生優惠), and Non-Reserved Seats (自由座) have significantly boosted post-pandemic ridership. Cheng also noted an increase in commuters, likely due to high housing prices in metropolitan areas.
Huang Tai-Sheng (黃台生), a retired associate professor from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University's (NYCU, 陽明交通大學) Department of Transportation and Logistics Management (運輸與物流管理系), stressed the need to expand train capacity to meet current demand. THSR plans to purchase 12 new train sets to address ongoing capacity issues. These sets are expected to arrive in 2026 and begin operations in 2027.
In contrast, Chiou Yu-Chiun (邱裕鈞), Chairman of the Chinese Institute of Transportation (中華民國運輸學會), highlighted severe labor shortages faced by Freeway Schedule Bus Service (國道客運), hindering its recovery and long-term development post-pandemic. Experts emphasize the importance of coordinated development among THSR, highway buses, and Taiwan Railway (台鐵) to maintain a stable, long-distance transportation network in Taiwan.
