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{{Short description|Railway in Taiwan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{tone|date=August 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=November 2020}}
{{Travel guide|date=January 2022}}
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{{Infobox public transit
| box_width = 
| name = 
| native_name = {{lang|zh-Hant-TW|臺鐵}}{{efn native lang|tw
  |t=台鐵 (short for 台灣鐵路, meaning "Taiwan Railway")
  |p=Táitiě
  |m=Tâi-thih
|h=Thòi-thiet
  |s=}}
| image = ROC Taiwan Railways Administration Logo.svg
| alt = 
| imagesize = 100px
| caption = 
| image2 = TRA EMC718 at North Hsinchu Station 20160206.jpg
| alt2 = 
| imagesize2 = 300px
| caption2 = A local train at {{stl|Taiwan Railways|North Hsinchu}}
| image3 = 
| alt3 = 
| imagesize3 = 
| caption3 = 
| owner = 
| area served = 
| locale = Taiwan
| transit_type = Heavy rail
| lines = 12
| line_number = 
| start = 
| end = 
| stations = 241
| daily_ridership = 
| annual_ridership = 170,254,000 (2022)<br>{{increase}}&nbsp;9.89%
| chief_executive = Feng Hui-sheng
| headquarters = 
| website = [https://www.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip?lang=EN_US railway.gov.tw]
| began_operation = 1891
| operation_will_start = 
| ended_operation = 
| operator = Taiwan Railway Corporation
| marks = 
| host = 
| character = Mixed
| vehicles = 900
| train_length = 
| headway = 
| system_length = {{convert|1065|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| notrack = 
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|1067 mm|lk=on}}
| ogauge = <!-- {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}} -->
| minimum_radius_of_curvature = <!-- {{convert|0|ft|0|in|mm|0}} -->
| el = 25 kV 60Hz AC [[overhead lines]] where electrified
| average_speed = <!-- {{convert|0|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} -->
| top_speed = 150kph (93mph)
| map = [[File:TRA official map 20191029.png|300px]]
| map_name = Official route map (zh)
| map_state = collapsed
}}

'''Taiwan Railway''' ('''TR'''){{efn native lang|tw
  |t=臺灣鐵路
  |p=Táiwān Tiělù　(Táitiě)
  |m=Tâi-oân Thih-lō͘ (Tâi-thih)
|h=Thòi-vân Thiet-lu (Thòi-thiet)
  |s=
}} is a state-owned conventional railway in Taiwan. It is operated by the Taiwan Railway Corporation under the supervision of the [[Ministry of Transportation and Communications (Republic of China)|Ministry of Transportation and Communications]], responsible for managing, maintaining, and running conventional passenger and freight [[Rail transport|railway]] services on {{convert|1097|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} of track in [[Taiwan]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Transportation | work=A Brief Introduction to Taiwan | publisher=ROC Government Information Office| url=http://www.gio.gov.tw/taiwan-website/5-gp/brief/info04_11.html | access-date=2006-05-19 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060518163519/http://www.gio.gov.tw/taiwan-website/5-gp/brief/info04_11.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-05-18}}</ref> Passenger traffic in 2018 was 231,267,955.<ref>{{cite web |title=Statistics |url=https://www.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip/file/2c63edfa-ceda-43d5-9ccc-37753dacdf3e |website=railway.gov.tw |access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref>

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.<ref>[https://www.railjournal.com/policy/tra-becomes-taiwan-railway-corporation/ TRA becomes Taiwan Railway Corporation] ''[[International Railway Journal]]'' January 2, 2024</ref>

==Overview==
[[File:20160128台灣鐵道部舊大樓.JPG|thumb|Taiwan Governor-General Railways building in January 2016.]]
[[File:TRA TED1002 20120722.jpg|thumb|The TRA purchased six initial sets of [[Hitachi Rail|Hitachi]] 8-car 130 km/h tilting trains, based on [[Kyushu Railway Company|JR Kyushu]]'s 885- series design, for US$85 million, to provide accelerated East Coast services. They are locally called ''[[Taroko Express]]'' after the [[Taroko National Park|mountain gorge]].]]
[[File:TRA DR2103 at Shihfen Station 19920824.jpg|thumb|A typical branch line service using a non-air conditioned [[Taiwan Railway DR2100 series|DR2100 series]] DMU, at [[Shifen Station]] on the [[Pingxi line]] in the 1990s.]]

Railway services, between [[Keelung]] and [[Hsinchu]], began in 1891 under China's [[Qing dynasty|Qing colonial government]],<ref>{{cite news|author1=Han Cheung|title=The two fathers of Taiwan's railroads?|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2016/08/14/2003653075|access-date=25 August 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=14 August 2016}}</ref> because the railway was completely rebuilt and substantially expanded under the {{ill|Railway Department|zh|臺灣總督府交通局鐵道部}} operated by Formosa's [[Taiwan under Japanese rule]] (1895–1945), the network's Japanese influence and heritage persists.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuan |first1=Renjian (管仁健) |trans-title=Taiwan’s Chinese Education and Japanese Railroads |script-title=zh:台灣的中國教育與日本鐵路 |website=In The Taiwan You Don’t Know (Blog) |url=http://mypaper.pchome.com.tw/kuan0416/post/1281895810 |access-date=July 9, 2010}}</ref> Similarities between TR and the [[Japan Railways Group|Japan Railways]] (JR) companies can be found in [[Railway signal|signal aspects]], signage, track layout, [[fare control]]s, station architecture, and operating procedures. As Japan's southern base during [[World War II]], Taiwan's railways suffered significant damage by [[Air raids on Japan|Allied air raids]]. Following 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 {{ill|Lang Chung-lai|zh|郎鍾騋}} as its first director-general.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Taiwan Railways Administration |trans-title=Museum Pages: Taiwan Railways Development Timeline |script-title=zh:博物館: 臺灣鐵路發展時段 |url=http://www.railway.gov.tw/i/i2_01.htm |access-date=July 9, 2010}}</ref>

TRA was a government organisation that fell under Taiwan's [[Ministry of Transportation and Communications (Republic of China)|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&nbsp;mm) [[Track gauge|gauge]] railways.<ref>Abbott, James (ed.) Jane’s World Railways, 38th Ed., Coulsdon, Surrey, England, 1996.</ref> Three mainlines form a complete circle around the island.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://amonline.trb.org/~searchResults?searchMode=advanced&searchParam-PaperNo=11-1301 |title=Transportation Research Board Compendium of Papers Online Portal: Sea… |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121228074522/http://amonline.trb.org/~searchResults?searchMode=advanced&searchParam-PaperNo=11-1301 |archive-date=28 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> TRA's [[West Coast line (Taiwan)|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).<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Taiwan Railways Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications |trans-title=TRA Signalling Equipment Maintenance Inspection Standard Operating Procedures |script-title=zh:交通部台灣鐵路管理局 號誌裝置養護檢查作業程序 |location=Banqiao |year=2003 |url=http://www.railway.gov.tw/admin/upload/kay00/號誌/號誌裝置養護檢查作業程序_公開.doc |format=doc |access-date=February 16, 2010}}</ref> [[South-link line]], east coast Taitung (converted from 762&nbsp;mm gauge), and three “tourist” branches are non-electrified
single-track with passing sidings.

Since 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.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Railway Reconstruction Bureau, Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communications |trans-title=2007 Annual Report Summary |script-title=zh:2007交通部鐵路改建工程局局務概況 |url=http://www.rrb.gov.tw/upload/documents/pubGov/鐵工局2007局務概況.pdf |access-date=July 11, 2010}}</ref> 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 was built and operated by a separate public-private partnership under a 35-year concession,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taiwan Railway Administration High-Speed Network |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/taiwan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209145511/https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/taiwan/ |archive-date=2021-02-09 |access-date=2021-04-04 |website=Railway Technology |publisher=Verdict Media Ltd |quote=The total project is valued at $13bn and was funded by the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) under a 35-year concession agreement, signed in 1998.}}</ref> but TRA provides feeder services to [[Taiwan High Speed Rail|HSR]] terminals. Although TRA operates all commuter rail, other quasi-private organizations operate subways in Taipei and Kaohsiung.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

Local and intercity passenger services (5am–1am, very few overnight trains) operate at 95.3% [[on-time performance]]. 2008 annual passenger ridership was 179 million (incurring 5.45 billion passenger-miles), generating US$434 million in revenue.<ref>Ministry of Transportation and Communication, Taiwan Railways Administration, Accounting Office. 2008 Statistical Annual Report. Banqiao, Taiwan, 2008. Retrieved from [http://www.railway.gov.tw/intro/introduction-7.aspx railway.gov.tw] on March 15, 2010.</ref> Commuter trains carry 76% of riders (43% of passenger miles). WCML carries >90% of ridership. TRA's loose-car and [[Unit train|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 the port of [[Hualien City|Hualien]] and suburban [[Taipei]], but loading gauge restrictions preclude [[Piggy-back (transportation)|piggyback]] operations. During [[typhoon]] season, small trucks are carried on flatcars when highways are closed by flooding or mudslides.<ref>Rail News Speed Report. Typhoon Parma Impacts. In Taiwan Rail News, Volume 192, Page 30, Sanchong, Taiwan, November–December, 2009.</ref>

In the past, a shipper-owned light railway network (762&nbsp;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.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Su |first1=Jiao-Shi (蘇昭旭) |trans-title=Taiwan Railways Station Pictorial |script-title=zh:台灣鐵路車站圖誌 |isbn=978-986-7916-09-9 |publisher=JJP Publishing |year=2002}}</ref>
Unlike [[East Japan Railway Company|JR East]] and [[MTR|Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway]], revenues from ancillary businesses accounted for only 17.8% of TRA's revenues.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Shiyi (陳世圯) |last2=Huang |first2=F.J. (黃豐鑑) |trans-title=Government Should Proactively Promote Railroad Reform Bill to Assist TRA in Overcoming Financial Operating Difficulties |script-title=zh:政府應積極推動鐵路法修正案以協助台鐵渡過經營困境 |publisher=National Policy Research Foundation, Analysis Report 097-014 |url=http://www.npf.org.tw/post/3/5178 |access-date=July 13, 2010}}</ref> TRA's estimated [[farebox recovery ratio]] (including freight operations) 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tseng |first1=Tsingnaw (曾鴻儒) |trans-title=Plentiful En-route Real Estate Revitalization and Economic Development/Urban Renewal Helps Taiwan Railways Administration to Recoup Losses |script-title=zh:沿線土地多 活化啟生機／都市更新 救台鐵虧損 |url=http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2010/new/jun/10/today-life7.htm |work=[[Liberty Times]] |date=June 10, 2010 |access-date=July 13, 2010}}</ref> Locally considered large and
problematic, TRA's deficits paled in comparison to those incurred by European and U.S. transit agencies, and [[Japanese National Railways|Japan National Railways]] (JNR) prior to its 1987 [[Japanese National Railway Settlement Corporation|privatization]]. Like JNR and U.S. transit authorities, interest payments on long-term debt represents a significant burden for TRA. Planning for TRA's restructuring had been underway since 2000.<ref>Reddy, Alla, A. Lu, and T. Wang. Subway Productivity, Profitability, and Performance: A Tale of Five Cities. In Press, TRB Paper No. 10-0487. In Transportation Research Record 2143, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C, 2010.</ref>

Recent growth in the [[Highway System in Taiwan|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. [[Taiwan High Speed Rail|The high-speed rail line]] 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 the company's most popular product with sales totaling NT$320 million (US$10.8 million) in 2010 (around 5% of its annual revenue).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?ID=201103230048&Type=aLIV|title=Creative marketing gives Taiwan railway new life: official|last=Hsin-Yin|first=Lee|date=2011-03-23|access-date=2011-03-24|publisher=Focus Taiwan News Channel}}</ref>

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 {{convert|150|km/h|mph||abbr=on}}.<ref name="steelguru">{{cite news|url=http://www.steelguru.com/international_news/Sumitomo_and_Nippon_Sharyo_wins_train_sets_supply_deal_in_Taiwan/185355.html|title=Sumitomo and Nippon Sharyo wins train sets supply deal in Taiwan|publisher=Steel Guru|date=2011-01-10|access-date=2011-01-11}}</ref> These eight-car [[electric multiple unit]]s (EMUs) were delivered from 2012 to 2014 for ''[[Taroko Express]]'' services running between [[Taipei Station|Taipei]] and [[Hualien Station|Hualien]] on 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.<ref>{{cite press release |publisher=MOTC |date=2011-02-08 |url=http://www.motc.gov.tw/mocwebGIP/wSite/ct?xItem=18685&ctNode=488&mp=1 |script-title=zh:100年春節疏運情形 | language = zh-hans |access-date=2011-02-08}}</ref>

==History==
{{see|Taiwan Railways Administration}}
[[File:Teng-Yung locomotive in Taipei Railway Workshop 1999-01.jpg|thumb|The ''Teng-yun'' ({{zh|t=騰雲}}), built by [[Hohenzollern Locomotive Works]], was the first steam locomotive operated in Taiwan.]]
[[File:TRA R51 DL at Level crossing.jpg|thumb|Taiwan Railway's Electro-Motive Division [[EMD G12|G12]]-class diesel locomotive R51 in charge of an ordinary local passenger train.]]

The first Taiwanese railway was completed during the [[Taiwan under Qing rule|Qing era]] in 1893.{{sfnp|Davidson|1903|pp=620-621|ps=: "The first Formosa railway was built by the Chinese government and was completed in 1893. On the arrival of the Japanese, the line, some 100 kilometers in length, came into their possession. It was found to be in such wretched condition, however, that a satisfactory train service could not be maintained. The rolling stock was also limited and entirely unsuited to the requirements.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

Accordingly work was commenced on the line at once. The Kelung-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. The railway was at this time under the direct control of the Military Department. In 1897, it came under the control of the Civil Department. It was the intention at one time to hand it over to the private railway company organized in Japan for the purpose of completing the Formosa railway system. The private railway company, however, failed to obtain public support, and in 1898 the Formosan government announced its intention of carrying on the work itself. Under the able direction of Chief Engineer Hasegawa the plans were soon formulated, and in 1899 work was commenced on the southern line from Takow north to Tainan, a distance of 28 miles. This section was completed in November, 1900. The Kelung and Shinchiku (Teckcham), lines were repaired, much rolling stock was added, and in the fall of 1900 work was commenced on the short branch line from [[Taipei Railway Station|Taihoku]], (Taipeh) to [[Tamsui Station|Tamsui]], (Hobe), which was completed in June 1901. There is a great deal of traffic between the port Tamsui and Taihoku and its suburbs, [[Wanhua District|Banka]] and Daitotei ([[Twatutia]]). The new line runs via [[Yuanshan Station|Maruyama]], [[Shilin Station|Shirin]], [[Beitou Station|Hokuto]], and [[Guandu Station|Kantau]]."}} In [[1895]], the [[Qing dynasty|Qing Empire]] ceded [[Formosa]] (Taiwan) to the [[Empire of Japan]] after the [[First Sino-Japanese War]]. The line was about {{convert|100|km|mi}} in length but in a poor condition when the Japanese arrived:

{{quotation |text=Accordingly work was commenced on the line at once. The [[Keelung|Kīrun]]-[[Taipei|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. |author=J. Davidson |source=''The Island of Formosa''{{sfnb|Davidson|1903|p=620}} }}

{{quotation |text=We thus have practically a new line to Kīrun and another to [[Hsinchu railway station|Shinchiku]] (formerly Teckcham). In addition to these, new lines were constructed from Taihoku to [[Tamsui Station|Tansui]], and from [[Kaohsiung|Takao]] to [[Xinying Station|Shin'ei]] via Tainan-fu, which gives us a total of ninety-three miles of rail. The trunk line connecting the north and south is now in course of construction. |author=J. Davidson |source=''Formosa under Japanese rule''<ref>{{cite book |last1=Davidson |first1=James W. |author-link=James W. Davidson |title=Formosa under Japanese rule |date=1903 |publisher=Japan Society |location=London |url=http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/012455485 |oclc=860694076 |page=47|ref=none}}</ref> }}

The Official Japanese Annual Report of 1935 states (under title Colonial Railways Section II Taiwan):

{{quotation |text=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 was a small light railway between [[Keelung|Kīrun]] and [[Hsinchu|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 of Japan|Diet]], to build a standard [[Japanese gauge]] railway connecting [[Kaohsiung|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&nbsp;mile (690.7&nbsp;km) line now forms the trunk line in the island communication system.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

The [[Imperial Taiwan Government Railway]] manages three workshops in the Island viz. one each at [[Taipei|Taihoku]], [[Kaohsiung|Takao]] and [[Hualien City|Karenkō]]. The last mentioned is for [[East Coast line (Taiwan)|East Coast line]] rolling stock. |author=Taiwan Railways Administration |source=History<ref>{{cite web |title=History |work=Taiwan Railways Administration |url=http://www.railway.gov.tw/n/n1_01.htm |access-date=2006-05-19 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060407194808/http://www.railway.gov.tw/n/n1_01.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-04-07}}</ref> }}

===Timeline===
*1887: Construction begins on first railway in Taiwan between [[Keelung]] and [[Taipei]] in early March.{{sfnp|Davidson|1903|p=247-8}} (Imperial approbation obtained by Qing dynasty governor [[Liu Ming-chuan]], as part of development of new [[Taiwan Province (Qing)|Taiwan Province]].)
*1891: First rail line completed; {{convert|20|miles|km}} branch from [[Twatutia]] to [[Keelung]], driven by English engineers{{sfnp|Davidson|1903|p=249}}
*1893: First Formosa railway completed.{{sfnp|Davidson|1903|p=620}}
*1895: Taiwan ceded to [[Japan]] by [[Qing dynasty|China]] following the end of the [[First Sino-Japanese War]]. Ministry of Taiwan Railway established by the Japanese Government. Reconstruction begins of Kīrun-Taihoku branch to avoid numerous short curves and steep grades. Work is also performed on the line leading from Taihoku to the south. Total cost of these improvements reaching nearly two million yen. Railway under direct control of the Military Department.
*1897: The railway comes under control of Civil Department.
*1898: Local island government announces its intention of carrying on the work itself. Plans formulated by chief engineer Hasegawa.
*1899: Work started on the southern line from [[Kaohsiung|Dagu]] (打狗) north to Tainan, a distance of {{convert|28|mi}}; completed in November 1900. Japanese Diet granted 30,000,000 yen for ten years to cover cost of mainline from Taihoku to Takow.{{sfnp|Davidson|1903|p=621}}
*1900: The Keelung and Hsinchu lines were repaired. Rolling stock was added. Work commenced on the short branch line from [[Taipei|Taihoku]] to [[Tamsui District|Tansui]]; completed in June 1901. Over 7 million yen spent by Japanese government on Formosan railways by 1903.{{sfnp|Davidson|1903|p=621-2}}
*1908: Mainline from Taihoku to Takao is completed.
*1922: The [[West Coast line (Taiwan)|West Coast line]] ([[Zhunan, Miaoli|Chikunan]] - [[Changhua|Shōka]]) is completed.
*1924: The [[Yilan line|Giran line]] ([[Badu railway station|Hatto]] - [[Su'ao|Suō]])  is completed.
*1926: The [[Hualien–Taitung line|Taitō Line]] ([[Hualien City|Karenkō]]  - [[Taitung City|Taitō]]) is completed.
*1941: The [[Pingtung line|Heitō line]] ([[Kaohsiung|Takao]] - [[Fangliao|Bōryō]]) is completed.
*1940–1945: The railways are repeatedly bombed by the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]] during [[World War II]].
*1945: [[Retrocession Day|Taiwan is handed over to]] [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|the Republic of China]].
*1948: Taiwan Railways Administration established.
*1949: Taiwan becomes the main base of the Republic of China government after losing the civil war in the mainland to the [[Chinese Communist Party]].
*1979: [[West Coast line (Taiwan)|West Coast line]] fully electrified. The North-link line is completed.
*1989: Rail lines running through downtown [[Taipei]] moved underground. The new Taipei Main Station is completed. The Shen-ao line ceases passenger operations.
*1991: The [[South-link line]] completed, completing the rail loop around Taiwan.
*1997: Online reservations become available.
*1998: The [[Former Mountain line]] ceases operations.
*2000: The [[Yilan line]] is electrified.
*2001: Various special trains targeting tourists are offered.
*2003: The North-link line is electrified.
*2007: The ''[[Taroko Express]]'' begins operations. The launch of Local Express trains with the delivery of [[Taiwan Railway EMU700 series]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2007/11/20/131634/New-train.htm|title=New train inaugurated for southern Taiwan|date=2007-11-20|work=[[The China Post]]|access-date=2013-11-16}}</ref> The [[Neiwan line]] is temporarily closed in order to allow the construction of the [[Liujia line]].
*2010: The former Mountain line is reopened to steam trains on special occasions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/local/miaoli/2010/06/06/259633/Steam-railway.htm|title=Steam railway makes nostalgic return on mountain line|date=2010-06-06|work=[[The China Post]]|access-date=2013-11-16}}</ref> The ''Fu-Hsing Semi-Express'' ({{lang|zh-hant|{{linktext|復興}}}}) of the Taiwan Railways Administration was phased out of regular service completely after December 21, 2010.
*2011: The [[Shalun line]] is opened. The Liujia line is opened.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=179984&ctNode=445|title=Hsinchu's Neiwan line steams back to life|last=Marchant|first=John Scott|date=2011-11-11|newspaper=[[Taiwan Today]]|access-date=2013-11-16}}</ref>
*2012: The [[Linkou line]] ceases all operations. The creation of Miss Taiwan Railway ({{lang|zh-hant|臺灣鐵道少女}}).
*2013: The ''[[Puyuma Express]]'' begins operation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2013/02/07/369850/Puyuma-train.htm|title=Puyuma train launch carries hopes of East Coast travelers|date=2013-02-07|newspaper=The China Post|access-date=2013-11-15}}</ref> The [[Pingtung line]] is scheduled to be electrified, completing the electrification of the entire rail loop around Taiwan by 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2013/03/01/371695/Taitung-to.htm|title=Taitung to be destination for Puyuma by year-end|date=2013-03-01|work=[[The China Post]]|access-date=2013-11-15}}</ref>
*2014: The new local train [[Taiwan Railways EMU800 series|EMU800]] begins operation. The maximum speed of local trains is increased to 130&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/01/01/2003580278|title=High-speed commuter train begins, travels 130kph|last=Shan|first=Shelley|date=2014-01-01|work=[[Taipei Times]]}}</ref>
*2021: The new local train [[EMU900 series|EMU900]] begins operation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=TRA's new commuter train hits the tracks for maiden trip|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4166400|access-date=2021-04-06|website=Taiwan News|date=2 April 2021}}</ref> The intercity [[EMU3000 series|EMU3000]] also begin operation,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ltd |first=Hitachi |title=A new shape of railway created through dialogues. Rolling stock design for TRA's "EMU3000" : Research & Development : Hitachi |url=https://www.hitachi.com/rd/research/design/product/taiwan_tra/index.html |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=www.hitachi.com |language=en}}</ref> intending to replace old and outdated rollingstock.
*2022: Final ''Fu-Hsing Semi-Express'' train journey.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chang |first1=Chi |last2=Wang |first2=Shu-fen |last3=Lo |first3=James |title=Final Fu-Hsing Semi Express train to bow out March 29 |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202203260013 |access-date=26 March 2022 |agency=Central News Agency |date=26 March 2022}}</ref>
*2024: Taiwan Railway Administration will become a [[State-owned enterprise|state-owned]] joint-stock corporation, [[Taiwan Railway Corporation]], on January 1, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eventsinfocus.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/1108900171-0-0.pdf|title=國營臺灣鐵路股份有限公司設置條例草案總說明|publisher=Executive Yuan|accessdate=28 April 2023|date=27 May 2022|language=zh-TW|archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609044806/https://eventsinfocus.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/1108900171-0-0.pdf}}</ref>

==Network design==
[[File:TRA EMU100 at Taipei Station 20120722.jpg|thumb|[[Taipei Main Station]]'s less-crowded underground platform with a [[British Rail Engineering Limited]] (BREL) [[Taiwan Railway EMU100 series|EMU100]], delivered in 1978 for the original Taiwan West Coast line electrification program]]

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.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

===Mainline tunneling===
The Japanese planned Taipei's railway tunnel prior to WWII. Their main impetus was the major Chung-Hwa Road (Route 1) trunk highway crossing. Taipei's Railway “Undergroundization” Project (Phase I) was approved in 1979, including [[Taipei Railway Station|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,<ref>Railway Reconstruction Bureau, Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Taipei Main Station, Songshan, Wanhua-Banqiao, Nankang, and Hsinchu-Naiwan Project Briefs. Retrieved from [http://www.rrb.gov.tw/04000.aspx?lan=en rrb.gov.tw] on March 14, 2010.</ref> it replaced the historic Japanese-era {{nihongo||臺北駅|Taihoku-eki}} and Hwashan yard, eliminated grade crossings in Taipei's congested [[Wanhua District]], providing operating efficiencies. Like New York's [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Penn Station]] project,<ref>Vantuono, William C. Reconquering Gotham. In Railway Age, April 2010.</ref> which buried 5.5 route-miles between North Bergen, N.J. and Hunterspoint, Queens by 1908, Taipei Main Station catalyzed urban redevelopment. Development was extensive but not without cultural costs.<ref>Chen, Wai-Shu ({{lang|zh-hant|陳韋臻}}). To Residents Outside Wanhua: Urban Renewal May Someday Demolish Your Home. In POTS Weekly (“{{lang|zh-hant|破週報}}”), Taipei. Retrieved from [http://www.pots.com.tw/node/6450 pots.com.tw] on October 26, 2010.</ref> Modern office towers and underground malls replaced Japanese-era wooden shanties and wholesale outlets,<ref>{{cite book|last1=Li |first1=Dongming (李東明) |script-title=zh:永遠的北淡線 |date=2000 |publisher=玉山 |location=Taipei|isbn=9789578246324}}</ref> 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 Blvd Expressway|Civic Boulevard]]). By 2008, US$5.8 billion were invested: [[Banqiao District|Banqiao]]-Xike (16.0 miles) was tunneled, including
all trackage within Taipei City, and Xike-Wudu (3.1 miles) was elevated under the TR [[Taiwan Railway Administration Elevatizion|elevatization]] program.<ref>Sungho Culture Company Limited. Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communication, TRA Tourism Express Travel Guide (Map), Taipei, 2009.</ref> Nankang's [[Nankang Software Park|Software
Park]], [[Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station|Exhibition Centre]], and Xike's Science Park were developed around this time.

===Run-through services===
[[File:TRA EMU300 at Qidu Marshalling Yard 20120722.jpg|thumb|Underground urban trackage and run-through services in Taiwan make efficient use of assets and available track capacity. A [[Socimi]] built [[EMU300 series|EMU300]] set is being prepared at the Qidu carbarn.]]

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 [[Edge city|suburban business districts]], Taipei 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.<ref name="University Railway Research Association 2009">Taiwan National Chiao-Tung University Railway Research Association ({{lang|zh-hant|國立交通大學鐵路研究會}}). Taiwan Railways Operation Diagram (Stringline Chart), Version 5. Hsinchu, Taiwan, June 16, 2009.</ref> Observation at Banqiao revealed substantial transfer activity between TR and [[Taipei metro|metro]].

In the 1990s, east coast trains terminated at Banqiao; WCML trains terminated at Nankang/[[Keelung]]. All trains thus operate over the busy Banqiao-[[Nangang District, Taipei|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 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.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

===Railway facility relocation===
[[File:TRA EM403 at Taoyuan Station 20120722.jpg|thumb|[[Taoyuan City|Taoyuan]] commuters wait for the South African [[Union Carriage & Wagon]]-built [[Taiwan Railway EMU400 series|EMU400]] to Qidu. To support metropolitan growth, Banqiao yard moved west to Shulin, and Nankang yard east to Qidu, extending through-running operations.]]

To support metropolitan growth, Banqiao yard moved west to Shulin, and Nankang yard east to [[Qidu District|Qidu]] during the mid-2000s, extending through operations to approximately 10 miles either side. [[Banqiao Station|Banqiao]], Taipei, and [[Nangang Station|Nankang]] became major interchanges. Like Boston's [[NorthPoint (Cambridge, Massachusetts)|NorthPoint]] project<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://archive.boston.com/business/articles/2010/09/09/new_developers_take_over_northpoint_project_in_cambridge/|title=Magic touch? New developers take over NorthPoint|last=McKim|first=Jenifer B.|date=2010-09-09|work=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref> planned for a [[Boston and Maine Corporation|Boston & Maine]] yard, the former Banqiao yard is now Banqiao station and a successful TOD site. Like the [[Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program|CREATE]] (Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency) plan,<ref>CREATE Program Final Feasibility Plan, August 2005. Retrieved from [http://www.createprogram.org/pdf/final_feasibility_plan.pdf createprogram.org] on October 31, 2010.</ref> through-running allows yards and freight facilities to move from center city (Hwashan, [[Songshan District, Taipei|Songshan]]) to suburbs ([[Shulin District|Shulin]], Qidu), with cheaper land and better highway access.

===Rapid transit integration===
Taipei metro shows substantial integration with the network, reflecting Taipei's close municipal central government relationship. Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation's (TRTC) {{lnl|Taipei Metro|R}} was converted from [[Tamsui railway line]], while {{lnl|Taipei Metro|BL}} and {{lnl|Taipei Metro|G}} roughly follow the TR mainline<ref>Kirby, Matthew and P. Holmes. Taiwan Railways Alignment and Station Maps. Retrieved from [http://www.taiwanrailways.com/ taiwanrailways.com] on May 11, 2010.</ref> and the former [[Xindian railway line]]. TR accepts metro farecards within metropolitan Taipei. Four metro lines converge at Taipei Main Station, making subways the local distribution system of TR. New intercity bus terminals were constructed near Taipei Main Station in 2009.<ref>Mo, Yan-Chih. Taipei Bus Station Opens Amid Fears of Heavy Traffic. Retrieved from [http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/08/20/2003451564 ''Taipei Times'', Taipei, August 20, 2009] on April 19, 2010.</ref> Like [[New Jersey Transit Rail Operations|NJ Transit]]’s [[Pennsylvania Station (Newark)|Newark]] and [[Long Island Rail Road|LIRR]]’s [[Jamaica (LIRR station)|Jamaica]] stations, Banqiao and Nankang interchanges afford TR penetration into western and eastern
neighbourhoods without long hackney rides or backtracking.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

===Commuter rail and HSR===
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 is focused on origin-destination markets over 100 miles<ref>Bureau of Taiwan High Speed Rail, Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Taiwan North-South High Speed Railway Plan (Unpublished Presentation). Banqiao, Taiwan, January 2010.</ref> like Taipei–[[Taichung]] (HSR&nbsp;– 45 minutes on the fastest service; TR&nbsp;– 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.<ref>Bureau of Taiwan High Speed Rail, Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Taiwan South-North High Speed Railway&nbsp;– Introduction to Mechanical and Electrical Systems Engineering. Banqiao, Taiwan, August 2008.</ref> Commuter rail acting as shuttles operated by the TR connects HSR with established provincial downtowns, solving “last mile” problems.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

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 is a transit-oriented version of [[Massachusetts Route 128|Beltway success stories]] played out across 1980s America.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

==Infrastructure and scheduling==
[[File:Fig2g 0508.jpg|thumb|Train terminations and transfers occur at interchanges where double island platforms and full crossovers are provided. The Japanese [[Tokyu Car Corporation|Tokyu]] [[Taiwan Railway DR3000 series|DR3000]] DMU is departing from Shulin station, using crossovers for yard access.]]
[[File:Fig2f 0342.jpg|thumb|TR's infrastructure designs are targeted towards scheduled movements. The South Korean [[Hyundai Rotem|Daewoo]] [[Taiwan Railway EMU500 series|EMU500]] commuter unit is being prepared on [[Hsinchu railway station|Hsinchu]]'s middle track while an intercity train departs.]]

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 the northernmost portion of the [[West Coast line (Taiwan)|West Coast line]] around Taipei, and has performed extensive capacity analysis to maximize train throughputs.<ref>Lai, Yung-Cheng;Wang, Szu-Han;Jong, Jyh-Cherng.  Development of Analytical Capacity Models for Commuter Rail Operations with Advanced Signaling Systems.  Transportation Research Board 2011 Annual Meeting.  [http://amonline.trb.org/12l0d5/ amonline.trb.org] Retrieved July 29, 2012.</ref>

===Passing tracks at local stations===
Double-ended sidings ([[Passing loop|loop]]s) 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.<ref>Taiwan Railway Company LTD. “How One” Taiwan Travel Passport (Taiwan Railways Administration Passenger Schedule), Version 9. Banqiao, Taiwan, January 15, 2010.</ref>

===Double island platforms at transfer stations===
Train terminations and transfers (express/local, branch/mainline) occur at [[Interchange station|strategic interchanges]] where
double island platforms and full [[Railroad switch#Crossover|crossover]]s are provided. Platforms between siding and mainline
provide [[Cross-platform interchange|cross-platform transfer]]s, 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|multiple-unit]] (MU) reversals.

===Side platforms and through tracks===
Island platforms are not ideal for vertical passenger flow. Side platforms allow direct access from stationhouse through [[fare control]]. Through track serves 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.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

===Explicit scheduling and dispatching priorities===
Like classic American railroads, TR's published timetable specifies train class (thus dispatching priority). Premium-fare expresses, like [[Tze-Chiang Train|Tze-Chiang]], have highest priority and almost never take sidings.<ref name="University Railway Research Association 2009"/> Customers understand the system, and are not surprised when lower priority trains are held, allowing others to pass. [[Train dispatcher|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.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

===Schedule, ridership pattern, and demographics===
TR's schedules are not tightly constrained by [[Clock-face scheduling|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 the full gamut including lower-income (students, young adults) and minorities ([[Hakka people|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 is observably more affluent, capturing many former airline passengers.<ref>Agence France-Presse. Airlines Hit as Taiwan Bullet Train Takes Off. Retrieved from [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?art_id=49277&con_type=1 ''The Standard'', Hong Kong, July 19, 2007] on October 26, 2010.</ref>

==Operating practices==
[[File:TRA EMU551 operator and relief operator 20120729.jpg|thumb|With the train safely immobilized, a Taiwan Railway commuter EMU operator and relief operator exchange pleasantries on [[Yilan Station|Yilan]]'s departure track prior to changing ends and returning to Hsinchu via Taipei.]]
[[File:Ordinary-train.jpg|thumb|Taiwan Railway's ordinary local passenger train on the scenic [[South-link line]].]]

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.

===Stationmasters, train regulation, and dwell process===
Many TR stations have "stationmaster duty offices". Stationmasters (their deputies, or platform staff) perform train regulation and signalling functions right from 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.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

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 is actually a legal requirement.<ref>{{cite book |trans-title=Law and Regulations Database of the Republic of China. Transportation Law, Railroad Operating Code |script-title=zh:交通法規/鐵路目/鐵路行車規則 |trans-chapter=Title II: Conventional Railways, Chapter 4: Operations, Section 2: Consist Operations |script-chapter=zh:第二編 一般鐵路/第四章 運轉/第二節 列車運轉 |quote=Regulations 65~66 |date=August 21, 2008 |location=Taipei |url=http://law.moj.gov.tw/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?PCode=K0030005 |publisher=[[Ministry of Justice (Taiwan)|Ministry of Justice of the Republic of China]] |access-date=November 11, 2010}}</ref> 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.

===Conductors as captains===
On board, conductors' primary responsibilities are not ticket examinations&nbsp;– 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 is reflected in Asian terms for "conductor"&nbsp;– {{zh|t=列車長|p=lièchēzhǎng|labels=no}} in [[Taiwanese Mandarin|Guoyu]], {{zh|labels=no|j=ce<sup>1</sup>zoeng<sup>2</sup>|t=車長}} in [[Cantonese]], and {{langx|ja|車掌|translit=shashō|label=none}} in [[Japanese language|Japanese]] (still informally used on TR)&nbsp;– which translates to "consist manager" or "train handler". They have overall responsibility for smooth onboard operations and customer experience, actively directing cleaners, attendants, even [[Taiwan Railway Bento|bento]] vendors.

===Onboard services===
[[File:Fulong Station Ekiben 02.jpg|thumb|Fulong Station [[Taiwan Railway Bento]] box.]]
On TR expresses, cleaners periodically move through the train to remove trash, even proactively asking passengers if visible food items are finished. Train attendants offer [[Taiwan Railway Bento|bento boxes]], drinks, souvenirs, and [[Suncake (Taiwan)|suncakes]] (traditional gifts for visiting friends) from small carts.

==Ticketing==
[[File:TRA Badu Station ticket gate 20080803.jpg|thumb|Taiwan Railway faregates and [[Automated fare collection system|Automated Fare Collection (AFC)]] hardware at [[Badu Station]].]]
[[File:TRA Tze-Chiang Limited Express Taipei-Tainan ticket 20071104.jpg|thumb|Larger format Taiwan Railways Administration ticket used by [[Tze-Chiang Train|Tzu-Chiang]] express train with seat reservations (Car 6 Seat 15), issued by the AFC system.]]
[[File:TRA Taipei Station Express-only ATVM 20120729.jpg|thumb|Taiwan Railway's second generation ticket vending machine, capable of credit-card processing and reserved-seating ticket issuance seen at Taipei Main Station.]]
[[File:EasyCard and Taiwan Easy Go reader at TRA Songshan Station 20100608.jpg|thumb|Taiwan Railway's [[Automated fare collection system|smart card]] ticket readers in [[Songshan Station]] for Taipei City's [[EasyCard]] (left) and Taiwan's Easy Go (right). The ticket readers were an interim solution before full implementation of integrated ticket gates.]]

TR's tickets were printed on traditional [[Edmondson railway ticket|Edmondson presses]] until Japan's [[NEC]] supplied a [[Computer reservations system|computerized ticketing and reservation system]] in the late 1980s. Almost all stations are divided into [[Paid area|paid]] (platform) and unpaid (waiting room) areas. Normally, ticket examiners govern platform access, checking and punching tickets as passengers enter. [[Conductor (transportation)|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% [[Penalty fare|penalties]], giving passengers incentives to find conductors on board to purchase step-up fares. Tickets are validated at origin, destination, and sometimes en route; [[Fare evasion|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.

===Fare structure===
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.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Taiwan Railways Administration |trans-title=Ticket Policy Information: Fare Computation Principle |script-title=zh:車票資訊&nbsp;– 票價計算原則 |url=http://service.tra.gov.tw/tw/CP/11333/tickets-1.aspx |access-date=October 24, 2010}}</ref> 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 [[Passenger load factor|load factors]] and are more profitable.

===Fare validation===
Fare validation requires substantial infrastructure (paid/unpaid areas), labour-intensive [[manual fare collection|manual ticket examinations]], and consequent speed-accuracy trade-offs. During the 2000s, TR incrementally replaced older thermal ticket printers with [[Automated fare collection system|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 "[[Pipeline (computing)|pipelined]]" or "stacked" (i.e. following passenger can insert ticket while previous passenger 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 the public, and retired industry personnel.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tsay |first1=Bai-Ling (蔡百靈) |trans-title=93 Years Old Deng Yo-Tsai, Taiwan Railways’ Oldest Ticket-Punching Volunteer |script-title=zh:93歲鄧有才&nbsp;– 台鐵最老剪票志工 |url=http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2010/new/sep/12/today-life12.htm |work=[[Liberty Times]] |location=[[Hualien City|Hualien]] |date=September 12, 2010 |access-date=October 24, 2010}}</ref> They assist passengers, sometimes exercising Japanese or English language skills,<ref>User e88111 from Kaohsiung. Taiwan Railways Volunteer (Poem). In Nameless Station (Blog), December 17, 2008. Retrieved from [http://www.wretch.cc/blog/e88111/11635670 wretch.cc] on October 24, 2010.</ref> and report turnstile jumpers and AFC malfunctions to employees. Station management has considerable latitude in determining work scope of volunteers.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Railway Culture Discussion Participant<!--. Taiwan Railways Administration Volunteer Work.--> |trans-title=In Taiwan Deep Blue United Student Bulletin Board System |script-title=zh:台灣深藍學生聯合論壇 |url=http://www.student.tw/db/showthread.php?t=220410 |access-date=October 24, 2010}}</ref>

===Ticketing processes===
Most TR stations feature staffed ticket offices, supplemented by [[Ticket machine|ticket vending machines]] (TVMs) at busy locations. Unreserved single or day-return tickets must be purchased on 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.

===Fare vending machines===
Early machines designed primarily for commuters are essentially receipt printers,
accepting only coins (no bills) and prepaid magnetic [[Employer transportation benefits in the United States|TransitChek]]-like cards&nbsp;– not credit cards.
Passengers must first insert coins (amount deposited 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 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 [[Vending machine|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 [[Amtrak Arrow Reservation System|Quik-Trak]], are available at principal West coast stations.

===Contactless Smartcard fare payment===
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<ref>Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation. Annual Report 2008. Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation, Taipei, 2009.</ref> for local travel within Taipei's metropolitan zone (Keelung-[[Zhongli District|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 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 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 [[FamilyMart|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 [[:zh:臺灣通|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.<ref>{{Cite news|title=EasyCard Plan Steaming Ahead|last=Shan|first=Shelley|date=2008-08-08|work=Taipei Times}}</ref>

===Rail pass===
{{Main|TR Pass}}
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 the set period. The pass has two versions - the General Pass and the Student Pass. TR first offered the Student Pass to foreign students in December 2006 in order to attract more foreign visitors. The offer was extended to local students in 2009. Finally, parallel to the Student Pass, a General Pass, which could be used by everyone, was issued in 2010, so as to replace the ineffective "Round-the Island Pass" ({{lang|zh-hant|環島週遊票}}), which had been offered since 1998.

The Round-the Island Pass had several restrictions making it unpopular. First, holders of the pass must either travel in the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction without traveling backwards. Secondly, travelers could only pick seven stops to get off and visit. Once a traveler has got off in seven stations, the pass became invalid. These restrictions were deemed too restrictive and limited the use of the pass.<ref name="Issuing General Pass">{{cite web|url=http://www.cardu.com.tw/news/detail.php?nt_pk=27&ns_pk=10123 |script-title=zh:台鐵新版TR PASS 3日券5日券開賣|website=卡優新聞網|language=zh}}</ref> After the issue of TR General Pass in 2010, this pass ceased to be issued.

==Passenger information systems and signage==
[[File:TRA Dasi Station train timetable 20060630.jpg|thumb|Traditional Taiwan Railway acrylic schedule boards at [[Daxi Station]].]]
TR takes a holistic and comprehensive approach towards passenger information. Devices used (in both English and Chinese) range from schedule posters, fixed signage to departure monitors and next-train displays.

[[Split-flap display]] boards, monitors, or smaller LED displays are provided at major terminals and principal stations. One display per control area shows boarding times and track assignments. Delays as short as one minute are posted. Large acrylic signboards show departure times and fares at smaller stations. Ubiquitous clocks throughout stations and facilities make it difficult to find spots where fewer than two clocks are immediately visible.

===Platform signage, next train identifiers===
[[File:Shiliu Station (May 29, 2020) - platform sign.jpg|thumb|Taiwan Railway's large acrylic backlit signs to indicate station names and distances to adjacent stations for use by passengers and crew.]]
Backlit acrylic signs (airport-style with iconic representations) identify platform and carriage numbers, and provide directions to facilities like restrooms and elevators. Boxes display schedules, tourist information, and service change notices. Large signs (legible from passing trains) indicate station names, and distances to previous/next stations, for use by passengers and crew. Platform LED displays provide next train identity, departure time, delay information, and context-sensitive
messages, including public service announcements.

===Onboard displays and announcements===
TR's mixed fleet ranges from 1960s hauled stock to new [[Taroko Express|Taroko]]s and commuter trains. Newer trains feature automated display/announcement systems with high-density [[Dot-matrix display|dot-matrix LEDs]] like Taipei's metro. On long-distance coaches with longer time between station stops, scrolling displays are used. Like in Continental Europe, automated onboard announcements are multilingual.
Announcements are in four major languages ([[Standard Chinese|Mandarin]], [[Taiwanese Hokkien|Taiwanese]], [[Hakka Chinese|Hakka]], and [[English language|English]]). In rural areas, announcements are also made in local aboriginal languages; Taitung line has the aboriginal Pangcah/Amis language. In unusual situations, conductors can usually make announcements in at least two languages.

Trains lacking automatic train location features are not simple to retrofit. TR devised low-cost multi-lingual "announcement boxes" connected to the public address system, manually triggered by conductors on approach to stations.

===Exterior train identification===
Identifying arriving trains quickly and accurately is equally important to employees and passengers.
Classically, lighted acrylic destination signboards are manually changed at terminals. Recent modernization efforts provided exterior LED displays showing destination, route, [[Train reporting number|train number]], and class. Newest cars have bilingual flexible displays built-in. Train numbers are especially important on expresses, helping customers identify seat reservations.

==Modernisation==
{{main|Railway reconstruction in Taiwan}}
Under the [[Railway Bureau (Taiwan)|Railway Bureau]], many projects have been undertaken to modernise the railway system and improve its efficiency.

[[File:TRA train driver 20111108.jpg|thumb|A TR Customer Service Attendant. The cap's badges and drawings are from the original Republic of China national emblem, the dove of peace has now become TR's logo, the radial lines symbolizing speed and efficiency.]]

Under the "East Railway Improvement Project", the route between [[Taipei Station|Taipei]] and [[Hualien Station|Hualien]] was electrified.<ref name="east">{{cite web|url=https://www.rrb.gov.tw/04100.aspx?id=11&lan=en|title=East Railway Improvement Project|publisher=Railway Reconstruction Bureau|access-date=2011-01-21|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807222250/https://www.rrb.gov.tw/04100.aspx?id=11&lan=en|url-status=dead}}</ref> The section between [[Badu Station|Badu]] (in [[Keelung]]) and [[Taitung Station|Taitung]] was improved by changing to 50&nbsp;kg/m rail, automating traffic signals, and including portions of double tracks.<ref name="east" /> Work began in June 1998 and was completed in December 2004, costing NT$43.691 billion.<ref name="east" /> As part of the project, the [[Xinguanyin Tunnel]] (at {{convert|10307|m|ft|abbr=on}}, the longest double track railway tunnel in Taiwan) and the New Yongchun Tunnel were constructed.<ref name="east" /> The "Continued Improvement of Eastern Railways Project" was approved by the Executive Yuan on June 30, 2003, and involved a {{convert|5.7|km|mi|abbr=on}} stretch between [[Dongshan Station|Dongshan]] and the Wulaokeng River.<ref name="eastcont">{{cite web|url=https://www.rrb.gov.tw/04100.aspx?id=12&lan=en|title=Continued Improvements of Eastern Railways|publisher=Railway Reconstruction Bureau|access-date=2011-01-21}}</ref> It included the construction of the elevated Dongshan Station as well as two branch lines.<ref name="eastcont" /> The project cost NT$2.779 billion, began in February 2004, and was completed by the end of 2008.<ref name="eastcont" />

Railway lines in eastern Taiwan are undergoing electrification and double-tracking improvements to increase train speeds from {{convert|110|km/h|abbr=on}} to {{convert|130|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aLIV&ID=201203040023|title=Taipei-Taitung rail journey to be cut by over an hour by 2013|last1=Shu-fen|first1=Wang|date=2012-03-04|access-date=2011-03-04|publisher=Focus Taiwan News Channel|last2=Liu|first2=Kay}}</ref> The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013 and will cut travel time between Taipei and [[Taitung City|Taitung]] down by about 1.5 hours. Completion of drilling for the Shanli Tunnel, the longest on the modified route, took place in March 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2012/03/05/2003527049|title=Shanli Tunnel will alter rail travel time|last=Shan|first=Shelley|date=2012-03-05|work=[[Taipei Times]]|access-date=2012-03-04}}</ref>

=== Corporatization of TRA ===
Because of 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 [[Executive Yuan]] approved an act, called ''Taiwan Railways Limited Liability Company establishment ordinance,'' it's ruled that TRA will transit to be a state-owned railway company that operate exclusively by the government, set up a fund to handle debts of TRA, no employees of TRA will be axed, and consider raising up salaries by 3~5%.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lu |first=Yifeng |date=27 May 2022 |title=台鐵公司化三讀通過 交通部年底完成16條子法審議 |work=[[UDN Taiwan]] |url=https://udn.com/news/story/7266/6345111 |access-date=11 October 2022}}</ref> According to the ordinance, TRA is scheduled be renamed to ''Taiwan Railways Corporation Limited'' by January 1, 2024.

==Lines==
[[File:TRA Shihfen Station platforms 20050516.jpg|thumb|Shifen Station on the [[Pingxi line]].]]
[[File:THSR Zuoying Station and TRA New Zuoying Station 20080712.jpg|thumb|[[Xinzuoying Station]] in [[Kaohsiung]]]]
[[File:TRA S205 and covered hopper railway wagons20040531.jpg|right|thumb|A local freight train is using the now-abandoned Kaohsiung Port line, at the Zhongshan Road level-crossing.]]

===Current passenger lines===
*{{lnl|Taiwan Railways|Western Trunk}} ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|西部幹線}}): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Keelung}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Pingtung}}
**Coastal section ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|海線}}): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Zhunan}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Changhua}}
*{{lnl|Taiwan Railways|Eastern Trunk}}  ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|東部幹線}}): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Badu}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Taitung}}
**Branch from {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Su'aoxin}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Su'ao}}
*{{lnl|Taiwan Railways|South-link}}  ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|南迴線}}): Pingtung to Taitung

====Branches====
*{{lnl|Taiwan Railways|Pingxi}} ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|平溪線}}): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Sandiaoling}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Jingtong}}
*{{lnl|Taiwan Railways|Liujia}} ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|六家線}}): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Zhuzhong}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Liujia}}
*{{lnl|Taiwan Railways|Neiwan}} ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|內灣線}}): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|North Hsinchu}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Neiwan}}
*Chengzhui line ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|成追線}}): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Chenggong}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Zhuifen}}
*{{lnl|Taiwan Railways|Shen'ao}} ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|深澳線}}): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Ruifang}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Badouzi}}
*{{lnl|Taiwan Railways|Shalun}} ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|沙崙線}}) : {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Zhongzhou}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Shalun}}
*{{lnl|Taiwan Railways|Jiji}} ({{lang|zh-Hant-TW|集集線}}): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Ershui}} to {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Checheng}}

===Other lines===
*Keelung Harbour line ({{lang|zh-hant|基隆臨港線}})
*Hualien Harbour line ({{lang|zh-hant|花蓮臨港線}})
*Taichung Harbour line ({{lang|zh-hant|台中港線}})
*Kaohsiung Harbour line ({{lang|zh-hant|高雄臨港線}})
*[[Former Mountain line]] ({{lang|zh-hant|舊山線}}): Sanyi to Houli. A former path of the Taichung line closed in 1998. Reopened in 2010 to steam trains on special occasions. {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Shengxing}} has been declared a historical site.

===Planned===
*Hengchun line (恆春線): Kaohsiung - Kenting

====Defunct====
*[[Donggang line]] (東港線): Zhenan, Pingtung County&nbsp;– Donggang, Pingtung County. Passenger service discontinued in 1991, completely closed in 2002.
*[[Dongshi line]] (東勢線): [[Fengyuan District|Fengyuan]], Taichung City to [[Dongshi District|Dongshi]], Taichung City. Passenger service discontinued in 1991. Transformed into a [[rail to trail|bike trail]] by the Taichung City government.
*Shengang line (神岡線): [[Tanzi District|Tanzi]], Taichung City to [[Daya District|Daya]], Taichung City. Service discontinued in 1999. Also transformed into a bike trail.
*[[Tamsui line]] (淡水線): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Taipei}} to [[Tamsui District|Tamsui]], [[New Taipei City]], closed in 1988 for metro construction. Replaced by {{lnl|Taipei Metro|R}} of Taipei Metro on a similar route.
*[[Hsintien line]] (新店線): {{stl|Taiwan Railways|Wanhua}} to Xindian, closed in 1965. Replaced by the Taipei Metro {{lnl|Taipei Metro|G}} of Taipei Metro on a similar route.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maps.google.com.tw/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=zh-TW&msa=0&msid=100498105186151439657.000451684f39bed51948a&ll=24.995056,121.521015&spn=0.111865,0.150375&z=13|script-title=zh:台鐵新店線路 - Google 我的地圖|website=Google My Maps}}</ref>
*[[Linkou line]] (林口線): [[Taoyuan District]] to [[Linkou District]], closed in 2012. Transformed into a bike trail.
*[[Xinbeitou branch line]] (新北投線): Beitou District (Beitou station to Xinbeitou station), closed in 1988 for metro construction. Replaced by the Xinbeitou branch line of the Taipei Metro.
*Songshan Airport line: Songshan station to Songshan Airport, closed in 1976.
*Hsinchu Airport line: Hsinchu station to Hsinchu Airport, closed in 1997 and converted to a road.
*Kaohsiung Port line: Kaohsiung station to Kaohsiung Port station, closed in 2018 and converted to the [[circular light rail]] line.
*Pingtung Airport Line: Pingtung station to Pingtung Airport, closed in 1997.
*Zhonghe line: Banqiao station to Zhonghe station, closed in 1990 for metro construction. Replaced by Taipei Metro {{lnl|Taipei Metro|O}} of Taipei Metro.
*Sanzhangli branch line: Huashan station to Lianqin 44th Arsenal, closed in 1986.

==Services==
[[File:TRA EMU707 at Xike Station 20071231.jpg|thumb|[[Taiwan Railway EMU700 series|EMU700 series]] Local train arriving [[Xike Station]].]]
[[File:嘉義車站 (24146954074).jpg|thumb|An [[E1000 series]] ''[[Tzu-Chiang Limited Express]]'' train arriving at [[Chiayi Station]].]]

===Regular services===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!English
!Chinese
!Description
!Reserved seats
!Standard fare
|-
|'''[[Regional rail|Local]]'''
|區間
|Short to medium distance services which stop at all stations
|None
| rowspan="2" |{{Ntd|1.46}}/km
|-
|'''Fast local'''
|區間快
|Short to medium services which skip some stops
|None
|-
|'''Chu-kuang'''
|莒光
|Long haul services which skip some stops
|Available
|{{Ntd|1.75|linked=no}}/km
|-
|'''[[Tze-chiang limited express|Tze-chiang]]'''
|自強
|Long distance services which stop at major stations
|Available
| rowspan="2" |{{Ntd|2.27|linked=no}}/km
|-
|'''[[Taroko express|Taroko]], [[Puyuma express|Puyuma]], [[EMU3000 series|Xin Tze-Chiang]]'''
|太魯閣、普悠瑪、新自強
|Long haul services with few stops and use tilting(excluding Xin Tze-chiang) trains to minimise travel times
|Required
|}
With the exception of the Ordinary services (see below), all trains are modern and air conditioned. Many of the Ordinary train carriages, on the other hand, are almost 40 to 50 years old.

===Limited services===
* '''Diesel express''': Only available on the Pingtung line. Fares are equal to regional express trains.

===Retired services===
* '''''Kuang-hua express''''' ({{lang|zh-hant|光華號}}) Operated using the [[Taiwan Railway DR2700 series|DR2700 series]] from 1966 to 1979. It set the TR's pre-electrification speed record.
* '''''Kuang-kuang number''''' ({{lang|zh-tw|台鐵觀光號}}) Operated using locomotive hauled coaches from 1961 to 1978.  Featuring dining cars, it was Taiwan Railways' premier service during that period.
* '''''Ordinary''''' ({{lang|zh-hant|普通車}}): Stops at all stations, no air conditioning, least expensive. No assigned seating. 

===''Chu-kuang Express''===
In 1970, the Taiwan Railways Administration solicited equipment loans from the World Bank to increase transport capacity, the most important passenger vehicle is the 35SP32850 class, purchased from a consortium led by Japan's Hitachi, for a total of 27 vehicles.

On February 3, 1970, Chu-kuang service was initiated with Trains #1011 through #1014 on the West Coast line between Taipei and Taichung, hauled by [[EMD G22 Series|EMD G22]] class diesels (TR classification R100 class). Fares were set at three times the per-mile cost of ordinary local service, as much as NT$117 for certain origin-destination pairs. On February 20 of the same year, the service was initiated between Taipei and Kaohsiung.

The first ''Chu-kuang Expresses'' in the 1970s used a variety of different vehicles; although the models vary, but the body are universally white with blue line, with one door per side, and in the interior there are carpets and velvet sofa seats. After the completion of the West Coast line electrification project in 1978, all coach bodies were fully painted into orange livery, and service continued to grow.

1986 saw the introduction of rooftop air-conditioning type ''Chu-kuang'' coaches (10200 series), like the previous launch of 35SPK2200 on the ''[[Fu-Hsing Express]]'', the air conditioner is moved to the stainless steel lightweight roof, and each coach was outfitted with a single door per side (manually operated). In addition, these ''Chu-kuang'' saw introduction of TR's first disability-accessible coach, the FPK11300 type.

==Vehicles==
TR uses a variety of railway vehicles to provide both freight and passenger service.

* '''Diesel electric locomotives''': Primarily road engines and road switchers built by [[Electro-Motive Division]] of the United States, entirely of the EMD "G" classes. Hitachi road diesels were used until the 1980. Road switchers were retired in the 1990s.
* '''Diesel hydraulic locomotives''': Originally purchased in the 1970s for the narrow-gauge East Coast Mainline, re-gauged for {{track gauge|1067mm|allk=on}} after the line was converted. Mostly used for switching duties.
* '''AC electric locomotives''': Primarily electric locomotives built by [[Union Carriage & Wagon]] of South Africa, and [[General Electric]] of the United States. GE delivered their units in 3 classes of roughly 100 units each-2 with [[Head end power|HEP]], and one without. These are the E200, E400, and E300 series, respectively. The South African-built units (E100 series) were retired in the early 2000s
* '''Diesel multiple units''': A variety of [[diesel multiple unit]]s had been built for the TR, mostly by Japanese manufacturer [[Japan Transport Engineering Company|Tokyu]]. They are DMU2900, DMU3000, DMU3100.
* '''AC electric multiple units''': TR's [[electric multiple unit]]s (EMUs) are classified as either long-distance units or local trains (or local express). Numerous builders have constructed EMUs for TR: [[EMU100 series|EMU100]] from [[British Rail Engineering Limited]] of England. EMU200, EMU400 from [[Union Carriage & Wagon]] of South Africa. EMU300 from [[Socimi]] of Italy. [[EMU500 series|EMU500]], EMU600 from [[Daewoo]] and [[Hyundai Group|Hyundai]] of Korea. And [[EMU700 series|EMU700]], [[EMU800 series|EMU800]] from both [[Nippon-Sharyo]] of Japan and [[Taiwan Rolling Stock Company|TRSC]] ({{lang|zh-hant|台灣車輛}}) of Taiwan in their series number order. [[EMU900 series|EMU900]] from [[Hyundai Rotem]] of Korea. EMU1200 from TRSC of Taiwan. There is also the [[EMU3000 series]] introduced in 2021.
* '''[[Taroko Express|Tilting trainsets]]''': TEMU1000 for [[Taroko Express]] passenger service built by [[Hitachi]] of Japan. TEMU2000 for [[Puyuma Express]] passenger service built by [[Nippon-Sharyo]] of Japan.
* '''[[Push-pull train]]s (Taiwan Railway E1000 series)''': High-capacity express passenger trains. The locomotives were built by UCW of South Africa, while the carriages were built by Hyundai of Korea. Extra cars for the push-pull trainsets were manufactured by Rotem.
* '''Hauled coaching stock''': Commuter stock from India, express passenger stock from Japan and Korea, as well as various homemade coaching stock fabricated by Taiwanese companies.
* '''Freight wagons''': [[gondola (rail)|gondola]]s, [[covered hopper]]s, [[boxcar]]s, [[refrigerator car|refrigerated boxcars]], [[stock car (rail)|livestock cars]], [[flatcar]]s, [[railway post office|mail cars]], etc.
* '''Non-revenue vehicles''': includes [[caboose]]s, catenary maintenance vehicles, [[switcher]]s, and converted former revenue vehicles used for special purposes.

==See also==
*[[Rail transport in Taiwan]]
*[[Transportation in Taiwan]]
*[[Taiwan High Speed Rail]]
*[[Taipei Railway Workshop]]
*''[[Taiwan Railway Bento]]''

== Notes ==
=== Words in native languages ===
{{Notelist-ur}}

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last = Davidson |first = James W. |author-link = James W. Davidson |title = The Island of Formosa, Past and Present : history, people, resources, and commercial prospects : tea, camphor, sugar, gold, coal, sulphur, economical plants, and other productions |year = 1903 |publisher = Macmillan  |url = https://archive.org/details/islandofformosap00davi |location = London and New York |ol = 6931635M }}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Taiwan Railway Administration}}
*[https://www.railway.gov.tw/ Taiwan Railway]
*Useful, user-friendly English website, including routes and schedules: [http://service.tra.gov.tw/en/ Taiwan Railways Administration (English website)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427073143/http://service.tra.gov.tw/en/ |date=27 April 2008 }}

{{Taiwan Rail Transport}}
{{Transport in Taiwan}}
{{Taiwanloco}}
{{navboxes
|title=Lines of Taiwan Railway
|list=
{{Hualien–Taitung line navbox}}
{{Jiji line navbox}}
{{Liujia line navbox}}
{{Neiwan line navbox}}
{{North-link line navbox}}
{{Pingtung line navbox}}
{{Pingxi line navbox}}
{{Shanlun line navbox}}
{{Shen'ao line navbox}}
{{South-link line navbox}}
{{Taichung line navbox}}
{{TRA West Coast line navbox}}
{{Yilan line navbox}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Taiwan Railway Corporation| ]]
[[Category:Taiwan Railways Administration| ]]
[[Category:Railway companies of Taiwan]]