TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) announced on Thursday (Jan. 23) that officials will consider adding more trains to meet commuter and holiday demand. Chen acknowledged that the Taiwan Railway Corporation's (TRC, 台鐵) Fengyuan Station (豐原站) serves as a crucial transport hub in northern Taichung. Currently, six direct and semi-direct train services run daily between Fengyuan and Taipei, with two additional services on holidays.
The Legislative Yuan's Transportation Committee visited Fengyuan Station on Thursday to assess its operations and the planned 1.5-hour rapid service from northern Taichung to Taipei. Attendees included Chen Shih-kai, Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), legislators Yu Hao (游顥), Lo Ting-wei (羅廷瑋), and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator Ho Hsin-chun (何欣純). Chiang emphasized the need for cooperation between Taiwan Railway and high-speed rail, stating that Fengyuan Station must have a more significant transport function with more direct services to Banqiao and Taipei.
Ho added that increasing direct services would not only reduce travel time but also boost the public's willingness to travel north from Fengyuan. More importantly, Chen noted that local government assistance is addressing odor issues and pest problems at the station by connecting the sewage tank to the sewer system to elevate travelers' commuting experience.
