54-737: (Redirected from Liujia Line ) Railway line in Taiwan Liujia Line 六家線 [REDACTED] Overview Status In Service Owner Taiwan Railway Administration Locale Hsinchu County , Taiwan Termini Zhuzhong , Zhudong Liujia , Zhubei Stations 2 Service Type Heavy rail System Taiwan Railway Administration Technical Line length 3.1 km (1.9 mi) Track gauge 3 ft 6 in ( 1,067 mm ) narrow gauge The Liujia Line ( Chinese : 六家線 ; pinyin : Liùjiā Xiàn )
108-459: A Boston & Maine yard, the former Banqiao yard is now Banqiao station and a successful TOD site. Like the CREATE (Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency) plan, through-running allows yards and freight facilities to move from center city (Hwashan, Songshan ) to suburbs ( Shulin , Qidu), with cheaper land and better highway access. Taipei metro shows substantial integration with
162-400: A complete circle around the island. TRA's West Coast line and Badu-Hualien section feature mostly double-track, electrification, modern colour light and cab signalling, overrun protection, and centralized traffic control (CTC). South-link line , east coast Taitung (converted from 762 mm gauge), and three “tourist” branches are non-electrified single-track with passing sidings. Since
216-641: A poor condition when the Japanese arrived: Accordingly work was commenced on the line at once. The Kīrun - Taihoku branch was completely reconstructed as so to avoid the numerous short curves and the steep grades. The line leading from Taihoku to the south received also some attention, the total cost of these improvements reaching nearly two million yen. We thus have practically a new line to Kīrun and another to Shinchiku (formerly Teckcham). In addition to these, new lines were constructed from Taihoku to Tansui , and from Takao to Shin'ei via Tainan-fu, which gives us
270-425: A significant burden for TRA. Planning for TRA's restructuring had been underway since 2000. Recent growth in the highway system and increased competition from bus companies and airlines has led to a decline in long-distance rail travel (except during major holidays such as Chinese New Year ), though short and intermediate distance travel is still heavily utilized by commuters and students. The high-speed rail line
324-498: A smartcard entry and no reserved seat ticket boarding onto Taroko and Puyumas express trains will receive a considerable fine. All others including Chu-kuang and Tze-chiang express trains are available for smartcard entry. Origin/destination validation and existing fare control areas made smartcard implementation easier. Instead of punching tickets to enter and relinquishing tickets to exit, users tap-in and tap-out. Faregates are replaced with newer integrated designs as funding allows. In
378-662: A state-owned corporation, Taiwan Railway Corporation. The agency's headquarters was at Taipei Main Station in Zhongzheng District , Taipei at the time of dissolution, the site which became the headquarter of the new company. The railway between Keelung and Hsinchu was completed during the Qing era in 1893. In 1895 , the Qing Empire ceded Formosa (Taiwan) to the Empire of Japan after
432-520: A state-owned railway company, set up a fund to handle debts of TRA, retain its employees, and consider raising salaries by 3~5%. TRA was incorporated as Taiwan Railway Corporation on January 1, 2024. Taiwan Railway [REDACTED] Taiwan Railway ( TR ) is a state-owned conventional railway in Taiwan. It is operated by the Taiwan Railway Corporation under the supervision of
486-531: A total of ninety-three miles of rail. The trunk line connecting the north and south is now in course of construction. The Official Japanese Annual Report of 1935 states (under title Colonial Railways Section II Taiwan): It was not until the cession of the Island of Taiwan (Formosa) from the Chinese Government to Japan that the island began to enjoy railway facilities, for prior that time the only railroad existing
540-3372: Is a branch line of the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) Western Line . It is located in Hsinchu County , Taiwan . It was built to link the Western Line to the THSR's Hsinchu Station , speeding up transit times between the two forms of rail service and, by extension, downtown Hsinchu City . The opening of the line experienced slight delays and eventually opened in November 2011. Stations [ edit ] Name Chinese Taiwanese Hakka Distance Transfers and Notes Location Zhuzhong 竹中 Tek-tiong Chuk-chûng 0 km → [REDACTED] Neiwan line to West Coast line Zhudong Hsinchu County Liujia 六家 Lio̍k-ka Liuk-kâ 3.1 km [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Hsinchu HSR station Zhubei References [ edit ] ^ Marchant, John Scott (11 November 2011). "Hsinchu's Neiwan Line steams back to life" . Taiwan Today . Retrieved 12 November 2011 . ^ "New rails to link high speed and TRA trains" . The China Post . 2010-03-03 . Retrieved 2011-03-11 . External links [ edit ] [REDACTED] Wikimedia Commons has media related to TRA Liujia Line . Railway Reconstruction Bureau project page (in Chinese ) v t e Taiwan Railway lines Main lines Eastern Trunk line South-link line Western Trunk line [REDACTED] Branch lines Jiji line Liujia line Neiwan line Pingxi line Shen'ao line Shalun line Others Hualien Port Taichung Port Defunct Chiayi Airport CPC Chiayi Research Institute branch Donggang Dongshi Former Mountain Hsinchu Airport Hsin Peitou Kaohsiung Port Keelung Port Linkou Pingtung Airport Sanzhangli branch Shengang Shueishang Airport Songshan Airport Su'ao Harbor Tamsui Taitung Coast Xindian Zhonghe Planned & U/C Second Taipei–Yilan line Jiahou Hengchun Huwei Yongning Abandoned/Unbuilt Central Cross-Island Niitaka Port Southwest Coast v t e Taiwan Railway — Liujia line ( Neiwan line ←) Zhuzhong Liujia Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Liujia_line&oldid=1224870598 " Categories : 3 ft 6 in gauge railways in Taiwan TRA routes Hidden categories: Articles with short description Short description matches Wikidata Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text Articles containing Chinese-language text Commons category link
594-637: Is a transit-oriented version of Beltway success stories played out across 1980s America. TR's infrastructure might be described as making up for lower track miles with sidings. TR operated single-track sections on busy mainlines until 1998. Double-track sections can accommodate trains at different speeds; passing movements don't interference with opposing traffic, allowing scheduled throughputs of ~15 trains per hour per direction. Scheduling practices assume staff can respond to unforeseen delays and out-of-sequence trains by dynamically utilizing available infrastructure. TR has recently installed advanced signalling on
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#1733085541111648-860: Is actually a legal requirement. At transfer locations, they manage connections. About ½-minute prior to departure, stationmasters sound platform bells to signal impending departure. When trains are late, bell is given sooner, shortening dwell times. Once conductors close train doors, stationmasters give the "right away" using platform-mounted equipment. After departure, stationmasters remain on platforms, visually inspecting departing trains. On board, conductors' primary responsibilities are not ticket examinations – station fare controls provide coverage. Instead, conductors operate doors and announcement systems, ensure onboard safety, sell onboard tickets, provide customer information and assistance, supervise onboard crews, perform emergency procedures, and troubleshoot equipment where possible. The position's multidisciplinary nature
702-514: Is displayed), then press numerous lighted buttons sequentially to specify traveller count, train class, single/return/concessionary, and destination. Buttons light up only when adequate coins are inserted. TVMs sell only unreserved single/round-trips to local destinations (<50 miles) from the current station. Earlier button presses constrain subsequent choices: destinations for which insufficient fares were paid (in selected train class) do not activate and have no effect. This machine's target audience
756-659: Is focused on origin-destination markets over 100 miles like Taipei– Taichung (HSR – 45 minutes on the fastest service; TR – 95 minutes on the Puyuma Express ), whereas TR served shorter-haul trips like Taipei–Hsinchu (30 versus 49 minutes). HSR serves Taipei, Banqiao, and Nangang TR interchanges via shared corridors. Except for Taipei (and surrounding stations), HSR stations are located out-of-town, minimizing environmental impacts and property acquisition, maximizing economic development potential, and allowing low curvature alignments. Commuter rail acting as shuttles operated by
810-553: Is not run by TR, and is also a major source of competition. To offset this TR has begun placing an emphasis on tourism and short-distance commuter service. This has led to several special tourist trains running to scenic areas and hot springs, the addition of dining cars (originally deemed unnecessary due to Taiwan's relatively small size), and converting several smaller branch lines to attract tourists. Additionally, several new stations have been added in major metropolitan areas, and local commuter service increased. Its boxed lunches remain
864-621: Is observably more affluent, capturing many former airline passengers. Operations on different railroads are variations of similar general principles. TR's practices are like JR's: somewhat labour-intensive, but immediate on-site accountability and close supervision contribute to high service quality, good delay-recovery capabilities, skills to execute complex maneuvers, and throughputs closer to theoretical line capacity than otherwise achievable. Many TR stations have "stationmaster duty offices". Stationmasters (their deputies, or platform staff) perform train regulation and signalling functions right from
918-424: Is on Wikidata Taiwan Railway Administration Taiwan Railways Administration ( TRA ) was a governmental agency in Taiwan which operated Taiwan Railway from 1948 to 2023. It managed, maintained, and operated conventional passenger and freight railway services on 1,097 km (682 mi) of track. Passenger traffic in 2018 was 231,267,955. On 1 January 2024, Taiwan Railway Administration became
972-761: Is proceeding through the gate). Passenger counting sensors quickly close gates when as many passengers entered as valid tickets processed. When exiting, faregates collect and cancel single trip tickets. However, many locations still use heat-sensitive tickets without ATC, requiring one ticket examiner per fare control. Examiners punch and collect non-magnetic tickets, provide customer information and assistance, troubleshoot AFC malfunctions (e.g. mutilated tickets), and return cancelled (stamped) tickets to passengers requiring proof-of-travel for expense claims. TR volunteers (with yellow vest) staff some gates. Volunteers, like America's auxiliary police and volunteer firefighters, include carefully selected and specifically trained members of
1026-654: Is reflected in Asian terms for "conductor" – 列車長 ; lièchēzhǎng in Guoyu , 車長 ; ce zoeng in Cantonese , and 車掌 , shashō in Japanese (still informally used on TR) – which translates to "consist manager" or "train handler". They have overall responsibility for smooth onboard operations and customer experience, actively directing cleaners, attendants, even bento vendors. On TR expresses, cleaners periodically move through
1080-1518: Is regular travellers who already know required fares. Passenger experiences for first-time customers can be confusing, but once customers learn this TVM, unreserved day ticket transactions are processed much faster than on typical full-feature machines. Machines need only electricity (not network connections) and staff to replace ticket stock, remove coins, and clear jams. Like soda machines , they are robust, self-contained, and have been deployed to remote locations. Long distance TVMs selling advance-purchase, reserved-seating, and prepaid internet/phone tickets were developed later. These more complex machines, functionally similar to Amtrak's Quik-Trak , are available at principal West coast stations. TRTC pioneered transitcards in 2000 via affiliate Taipei Smart Card Corporation, which performs backoffice functions for TRTC, Taipei's Taipei Joint Bus System (market-sharing conference) group of bus companies, and other EasyCard merchants. In 2008, TRTC assisted TR in implementing entry-exit smartcard fare collection for local travel within Taipei's metropolitan zone (Keelung- Zhongli ), offering 10% discounts from regular local train fares. Smartcard holders can travel on regular local and express trains, but not Tarokos, Puyumas, sightseeing specials, nor in business class. When travelling on expresses, smartcard seats are unreserved. As expresses are often sold out, EasyCard offers de facto standee discounts. Travelers with only
1134-439: Is the location of a major TR yard. West Coast services mainly terminate at Qidu Station, which is the location of another large rail yard. To support metropolitan growth, Banqiao yard moved west to Shulin, and Nankang yard east to Qidu during the mid-2000s, extending through operations to approximately 10 miles either side. Banqiao , Taipei, and Nankang became major interchanges. Like Boston's NorthPoint project planned for
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#17330855411111188-686: The First Sino-Japanese War . The line was about 100 kilometres (62 mi) in length but in a poor condition when the Japanese arrived. The railway was rebuilt and expanded under the Railway Department [ zh ] of the Government-General of Taiwan during Japanese rule . Following the surrender of Japan in the aftermath of World War II , TRA was founded as a government organisation that falls under transport office of Taiwan Provincial Government in 1948. In 1998, it
1242-664: The Ministry of Transportation and Communications , responsible for managing, maintaining, and running conventional passenger and freight railway services on 1,097 km (682 mi) of track in Taiwan . Passenger traffic in 2018 was 231,267,955. The railway was previously operated by Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA). On 1 January 2024, Taiwan Railway Administration became a state-owned corporation, Taiwan Railway Corporation. Railway services, between Keelung and Hsinchu , began in 1891 under China's Qing colonial government , because
1296-641: The surrender of Japan in the aftermath of World War II , the Taiwan Railways Administration was established on 5 March 1948 to reconstruct and operate railway infrastructure, with Lang Chung-lai [ zh ] as its first director-general. TRA was a government organisation that fell under Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) and employed around 13,500 people (4,700 in transportation and 7,700 in maintenance titles) and directly operated some 682 route miles of 3'6" (1,067 mm) gauge railways. Three mainlines form
1350-449: The 1990s, east coast trains terminated at Banqiao; WCML trains terminated at Nankang/ Keelung . All trains thus operate over the busy Banqiao- Nankang (Bannan) section, effectively providing urban transportation by utilizing surplus capacity on longer-distance through trains. Commuter trains made all suburban stops, while Amtrak -like expresses stopped only at major hubs. These days, most East Coast services terminate at Shulin Station, which
1404-436: The 2000s, TR incrementally replaced older thermal ticket printers with automated fare collection (AFC) devices using magnetic-backed stock. Busy stations have faregates to speed up validation. Tickets can be inserted in any orientation. Gates align, check, and mechanically punch tickets prior to opening. Validations are fast and can be " pipelined " or "stacked" (i.e. following passenger can insert ticket while previous passenger
1458-556: The TR connects HSR with established provincial downtowns, solving “last mile” problems. In Hsinchu, HSR and TR stations are three miles apart. Parts of TR's Neiwan line were electrified and rebuilt as a modern commuter railroad, costing US$ 280 million to connect Hsinchu's historic downtown with the HSR. Connections generate benefits for both modes and catalyze development near HSR stations, much as Interstate interchanges attracted economic activity. This
1512-475: The company's most popular product with sales totaling NT$ 320 million (US$ 10.8 million) in 2010 (around 5% of its annual revenue). On December 31, 2010, TR signed a NT$ 10.6 billion contract with Sumitomo Group and Nippon Sharyo to supply 17 tilting train sets capable of traveling 150 km/h (93 mph). These eight-car electric multiple units (EMUs) were delivered from 2012 to 2014 for Taroko Express services running between Taipei and Hualien on
1566-787: The day of travel (to prevent ticket reuse), leading to ticket queues at peak commuter periods. Passengers purchasing advance tickets can delay entire queues, causing imminent train departures to be missed. To maximize passenger throughput, separate ticket windows provide train information, today's tickets, and advance or commutation tickets. Some daily ticket windows only accept cash, further decreasing transaction times. Ticket windows at busy stations can be dynamically switched between different functions, minimizing daily ticket queues. Early machines designed primarily for commuters are essentially receipt printers, accepting only coins (no bills) and prepaid magnetic TransitChek -like cards – not credit cards. Passengers must first insert coins (amount deposited
1620-505: The early 1980s, conventional railway capital improvements have been nationally funded and managed by the MOTC's Railway Reconstruction Bureau, then turned over to TRA for operations. Taiwan's challenging terrain meant all lines feature extensive tunneling and long bridges. Double-tracking frequently requires construction of parallel single-track railroads or bypass tunnels on new alignments. The US$ 14.5 billion standard gauge high-speed rail (HSR) line
1674-417: The east coast lines. The system achieved a single day record on February 5, 2011 during Chinese New Year celebrations, transporting 724,000 passengers a day. The first Taiwanese railway was completed during the Qing era in 1893. In 1895 , the Qing Empire ceded Formosa (Taiwan) to the Empire of Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War . The line was about 100 kilometres (62 mi) in length but in
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1728-451: The full gamut including lower-income (students, young adults) and minorities ( Hakka , Taiwanese indigenous peoples ) but also choice riders (vacationing families, foreign tourists, monthly commuters). Elderly passengers are common, but wheelchair passengers are rare; not all stations are handicap accessible and not all rolling stock are level-boarding. Fare differentials between expresses and locals provide market differentiation. HSR ridership
1782-1144: The interim, ticket collectors visually verify each transaction on low-cost stand-alone terminals, allowing rapid deployment. Smartcard development in Taiwan is currently fluid. With 13 million cards issued, readers for Mifare Classic-based EasyCard are already installed at convenience stores like Family Mart . Legislation authorizing "Third Generation e-Purse" (stored value limit ~US$ 300) was passed in March 2010, allowing smartcard payments for low-value non-transportation items, like Hong Kong's Octopus Card. Three major competitors hold regional subway/bus fare collection franchises (Taipei's "Youyoka" EasyCard , Mid-Island's Taiwan Easy Go "TaiwanTong", and Kaohsiung's "I Pass"), and TR has active pilots with both EasyCard and TaiwanTong. Taiwan's MOTC expects to eventually integrate all electronic farecard systems nationwide. Besides single ticket, TR has also been offering various types of rail pass, with which travelers can ride on trains without buying single tickets. Currently, TR offers TR Pass to travelers such that they have unlimited ride on trains within
1836-499: The local distribution system of TR. New intercity bus terminals were constructed near Taipei Main Station in 2009. Like NJ Transit ’s Newark and LIRR ’s Jamaica stations, Banqiao and Nankang interchanges afford TR penetration into western and eastern neighbourhoods without long hackney rides or backtracking. TR’s maximum commercial speed is 130 km/h (81 mph) whereas HSR operates up to 300 km/h (187 mph). Although TR’s long-distance services potentially competes with HSR, Taiwan’s HSR
1890-424: The network, reflecting Taipei's close municipal central government relationship. Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation's (TRTC) Tamsui–Xinyi line was converted from Tamsui railway line , while Bannan line and Songshan–Xindian line roughly follow the TR mainline and the former Xindian railway line . TR accepts metro farecards within metropolitan Taipei. Four metro lines converge at Taipei Main Station, making subways
1944-1500: The northernmost portion of the West Coast line around Taipei, and has performed extensive capacity analysis to maximize train throughputs. Double-ended sidings ( loops ) good for typical passenger trains (10–12 cars) are provided at 3–8 mile intervals, at local stations. Some stations have an island platform serving middle siding tracks, and straight-through outside bypass tracks. Schedules provide extra dwell time for trains to hold until an express passes, also serving as en route recovery time, improving reliability. Some stations in single-track territory feature three passing tracks, allowing freight or other equipment to be stowed while opposing passenger trains pass one another. Close proximity of sidings allows TR to squeeze 5–6 tph (both directions, mixed traffic) out of single-tracks. Train terminations and transfers (express/local, branch/mainline) occur at strategic interchanges where double island platforms and full crossovers are provided. Platforms between siding and mainline provide cross-platform transfers , and allow staff to clear terminating trains without obstructing mainline. Where many trains originate/terminate, additional platforms are provided. Crossovers allow convenient layover access and easy multiple-unit (MU) reversals. Island platforms are not ideal for vertical passenger flow. Side platforms allow direct access from stationhouse through fare control . Through track serves
1998-798: The platform, and provide train crew oversight. Two station crewmembers work busy locations, one per direction. They sound a whistle to warn waiting passengers of imminent arrivals. Passengers standing in yellow danger zones are asked to step back. As trains approach, they hand-signal drivers. Unreserved trains (without assigned cars) berth close to fare control, while expresses berth according to platform car markers, minimizing onboard baggage-carrying by passengers looking for assigned seats. Stationmasters may indirectly reduce overruns by providing immediate accountability. TR's stationmasters and conductors jointly manage dwell time, like their counterparts at LIRR's Jamaica. Stationmasters regulate trains by enforcing correct train sequences and departure times; holding to time
2052-715: The port of Hualien and suburban Taipei , but loading gauge restrictions preclude piggyback operations. During typhoon season, small trucks are carried on flatcars when highways are closed by flooding or mudslides. In the past, a shipper-owned light railway network (762 mm gauge, never operated by TRA) handled freight services throughout Taiwan and once boasted 1,800 route miles. Largely abandoned today, it served important industries including sugar, logging, coal, salt, and minerals. Unlike JR East and Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway , revenues from ancillary businesses accounted for only 17.8% of TRA's revenues. TRA's estimated farebox recovery ratio (including freight operations)
2106-458: The public, and retired industry personnel. They assist passengers, sometimes exercising Japanese or English language skills, and report turnstile jumpers and AFC malfunctions to employees. Station management has considerable latitude in determining work scope of volunteers. Most TR stations feature staffed ticket offices, supplemented by ticket vending machines (TVMs) at busy locations. Unreserved single or day-return tickets must be purchased on
2160-604: The railway was completely rebuilt and substantially expanded under the Railway Department [ zh ] operated by Formosa's Taiwan under Japanese rule (1895–1945), the network's Japanese influence and heritage persists. Similarities between TR and the Japan Railways (JR) companies can be found in signal aspects , signage, track layout, fare controls , station architecture, and operating procedures. As Japan's southern base during World War II , Taiwan's railways suffered significant damage by Allied air raids . Following
2214-545: The several hundred-billions TWD of liabilities, and the legal person type of TRA is considered a block for elasticity operations of railway systems, there were several campaigns and groups set up that aim to take privatization and corporatization actions for TRA since 1990s. In May 2022 the Legislative Yuan approved the Act for Establishment of State-owned Taiwan Railway Co., Ltd. The legislation provided that TRA will transit to
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2268-683: The stationhouse at major stations, where most expresses stop. Middle bypass tracks are available for switching, temporary equipment storage, train preparation, and allows passenger trains to pass freights. Stationhouses are usually on the northbound side (up direction, to Taipei), where originating passengers are voluminous. At minor stations, mainline serves the island platform; locals serve the stationhouse while waiting for overtaking expresses. Like classic American railroads, TR's published timetable specifies train class (thus dispatching priority). Premium-fare expresses, like Tze-Chiang , have highest priority and almost never take sidings. Customers understand
2322-645: The system, and are not surprised when lower priority trains are held, allowing others to pass. Dispatching decisions are fairly straightforward; even when trains are out of sequence, stationmasters do not hesitate to hold trains if releasing them could delay a subsequent Tze-Chiang. Close proximity of sidings means unscheduled holds are likely short, usually less than 5 minutes. TR's schedules are not tightly constrained by clock face patterns or policy headways. Extra trains and cars are added on peak travel days to accommodate holiday traffic. 6~8% more departures are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. TR riders span
2376-2280: The train to remove trash, even proactively asking passengers if visible food items are finished. Train attendants offer bento boxes , drinks, souvenirs, and suncakes (traditional gifts for visiting friends) from small carts. TR's tickets were printed on traditional Edmondson presses until Japan's NEC supplied a computerized ticketing and reservation system in the late 1980s. Almost all stations are divided into paid (platform) and unpaid (waiting room) areas. Normally, ticket examiners govern platform access, checking and punching tickets as passengers enter. Conductors perform onboard ticket checks near peak load points or every ~100 miles, verifying that passengers hold train-class appropriate tickets, and dispense step-up and zone extension fares from portable ticket printers. Examiners also control access to unpaid areas at destinations, ensuring all passengers paid full distance-based fares. Used tickets are collected and not returned to passengers unless cancelled by stamps (similar to postmarks). Those arriving without appropriate tickets (i.e. requiring "fare adjustments") are assessed 50% penalties , giving passengers incentives to find conductors on board to purchase step-up fares. Tickets are validated at origin, destination, and sometimes en route; evasion thus would require elaborate two-ticket schemes or exiting from paid area without going through fare control . Fare evasion rates are thought to be low. Proof-of-payment methods are not used. TR's passenger fares are highly regulated and strictly distance/train-class based (short trips <6.3 miles require 34~73 cents minimum fare.) Express fares are 11.7 cents (per passenger-mile); locals are 5.5 cents. Within Taipei municipal zone, single trips are 58 cents regardless of distance/class. Unlike HSR, no time- or demand-based off-peak discounts are offered. Periodic (limited-ride) commutation tickets and multi-ride carnets are available. Fares are generally competitive with private commuter and intercity buses. Express trains operate with higher load factors and are more profitable. Fare validation requires substantial infrastructure (paid/unpaid areas), labour-intensive manual ticket examinations , and consequent speed-accuracy trade-offs. During
2430-620: The trunk line in the island communication system. The Imperial Taiwan Government Railway manages three workshops in the Island viz. one each at Taihoku , Takao and Karenkō . The last mentioned is for East Coast line rolling stock. TR's network and services reflect strong centralized planning. Although TR is one of many passenger transport operators, its infrastructure allows multiple and convenient connections between modes. Joint transportation and land-use planning make railway projects effective land-development tools. The Japanese planned Taipei's railway tunnel prior to WWII. Their main impetus
2484-460: Was 179 million (incurring 5.45 billion passenger-miles), generating US$ 434 million in revenue. Commuter trains carry 76% of riders (43% of passenger miles). WCML carries >90% of ridership. TRA's loose-car and unit-train bulk freight services haul mainly aggregates (58% of tonnage), cement (26%), and coal (9%). In 2008, 9.5 million tons of freight (481 million ton-miles) generated US$ 28.6 million in revenue. Limited container services operate between
2538-666: Was a small light railway between Kīrun and Shinchiku built at the time of the Qing Dynasty of China. Soon after the cession the Governor-General of Taiwan established a plan, with approbation of the Diet , to build a standard Japanese gauge railway connecting Takao with Kīrun at the expense of 28.800.000 yen . The work of construction was started from both termini and finished in April 1908. This 429.3 mile (690.7 km) line now forms
2592-412: Was built and operated by a separate public-private partnership under a 35-year concession, but TRA provides feeder services to HSR terminals. Although TRA operates all commuter rail, other quasi-private organizations operate subways in Taipei and Kaohsiung. Local and intercity passenger services (5am–1am, very few overnight trains) operate at 95.3% on-time performance . 2008 annual passenger ridership
2646-672: Was envisioned as a through station, allowing West coast trains to operate to Taipei's eastern suburbs, and vice versa. Through-running reduces platform occupancy times, maximizes one-seat rides, and distributes passengers over multiple stations, reducing crowding. Trains can be moved through Taipei's terminal district in arrival sequence, providing some delay absorption capability. Only ~20% of passenger trips originated/terminated at Taipei Main Station. Trains are turned at outlying yards (where turnback tracks are expressly provided), minimizing conflicting movements. Observation at Banqiao revealed substantial transfer activity between TR and metro . In
2700-459: Was extensive but not without cultural costs. Modern office towers and underground malls replaced Japanese-era wooden shanties and wholesale outlets, but historic temples were preserved. Later phases completed the four track mainline tunnels, relocated yards to permit transit-oriented development (TOD), and provided a corridor for a much-needed crosstown expressway ( Civic Boulevard ). By 2008, US$ 5.8 billion were invested: Banqiao -Xike (16.0 miles)
2754-680: Was the major Chung-Hwa Road (Route 1) trunk highway crossing. Taipei's Railway “Undergroundization” Project (Phase I) was approved in 1979, including Taipei Main Station (TMS), 2.8-miles of two-track underground railway, and Banqiao and Nankang yards. Completed in 1989 and costing US$ 600 million, it replaced the historic Japanese-era Taihoku-eki ( 臺北駅 ) and Hwashan yard, eliminated grade crossings in Taipei's congested Wanhua District , providing operating efficiencies. Like New York's Penn Station project, which buried 5.5 route-miles between North Bergen, N.J. and Hunterspoint, Queens by 1908, Taipei Main Station catalyzed urban redevelopment. Development
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#17330855411112808-708: Was transferred to the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) of the central government and employed around 13,500 people (4,700 in transportation and 7,700 in maintenance titles) and directly operated some 682 route miles of 3’6” (1,067 mm) gauge railways. Three mainlines form a complete circle around the island. TRA's West Coast line and Badu-Hualien section feature mostly double-track, electrification, modern colour light and cab signalling, overrun protection, and centralized traffic control (CTC). South-link line , east coast Taitung (converted from 762 mm gauge), and three “tourist” branches are non-electrified single-track with passing sidings. Because of
2862-586: Was tunneled, including all trackage within Taipei City, and Xike-Wudu (3.1 miles) was elevated under the TR elevatization program. Nankang's Software Park , Exhibition Centre , and Xike's Science Park were developed around this time. Taipei is Taiwan's capital and ultimate destination for TR's mainlines. Explosive growth since 1980 made Taipei a 10-million population metropolis sprawled over four counties. To accommodate suburban commuters, and to serve passengers traveling to/from suburban business districts , Taipei
2916-474: Was ~40%. Staffing costs, pension benefits, capital debt, changing demographics, highway competition, and low fare policies resulted in accumulated deficits nearing US$ 3.3 billion. Locally considered large and problematic, TRA's deficits paled in comparison to those incurred by European and U.S. transit agencies, and Japan National Railways (JNR) prior to its 1987 privatization . Like JNR and U.S. transit authorities, interest payments on long-term debt represents
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