TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan High Speed Rail will begin using new trains from the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium in the second half of 2027.

THSR Chair James Jeng (鄭光遠) and Hitachi Rail Asia and Japan Business Deputy Head Yamakawa Takuya signed an agreement Monday at the Grand Hotel to procure the new trains. They are expected to be delivered to Taiwan in the second half of 2026 for static and dynamic testing, per CNA.

THSR said that its new trains, based on Japan's super express N700S design, will feature seats with charging facilities to improve comfort for long-distance travel. The trains will also have a streamlined design and offer benefits such as lightweight construction, high performance, and energy efficiency. 

The new THSR train carriages will feature a "fully automatic shock absorber system" and noise-reducing devices in the gangways to ensure noise and vibration levels inside meet the same standards as Japan's high-speed trains. 

The train carriages will also include full-color LCD displays, station arrival light indicators, and dual-level luggage racks, the company said.

THSR’s new trains are expected to include enhanced facilities for passengers with special needs, such as breastfeeding rooms equipped with washbasins, coat hooks, and baby seats. The number of wheelchair spaces per carriage will also increase to six, up from four, and will feature wheelchair securement devices.

THSR signed a procurement contract in May 2023 with the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium for 12 new trains valued at approximately NT$272.02 billion (US$8.63 billion). THSR explained the procurement plan aims to address the need for improved train maintenance and operational scheduling and to accommodate high passenger demand during holidays.

Jeng added the company has been operating for over 18 years, with cumulative ridership exceeding 900 million passengers. He hoped the new trains would provide passengers with a higher-quality travel experience.