TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's bullet train operator will deploy extra services to accommodate the anticipated surge in passengers during the Mother's Day holiday weekend. Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR, 台灣高鐵), the island's premier rail service connecting major western cities, announced Thursday (April 24) it would add four supplementary trains to its schedule between May 9 and May 12.
The expanded holiday schedule will feature a total of 48 additional train services — 25 heading south and 23 traveling north — bringing the four-day service count to 704 trains traversing Taiwan's western corridor. Rail officials noted that five trains will operate on extended late-night schedules with final destinations reached after midnight. These special services will include two carriages (numbers 11-12) designated for passengers without reserved seats.
To minimize travel disruptions during the holiday rush, railway authorities recommend passengers monitor real-time station congestion updates through either the official THSR website or the company's mobile ticketing platform, T Express (T-EX行動購票). This proactive approach enables travelers to anticipate conditions at their departure station and plan their arrival timing accordingly.
In a nod to the holiday's focus on family gatherings, THSR is highlighting its streamlined group reservation system specifically designed for family outings with mothers. The special booking arrangement accommodates parties of 11 to 20 passengers traveling the same route, allowing them to secure seats collectively through the company's dedicated "Online Group Booking Service" rather than making individual purchases. ★
