Taipei: Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. (THSRC) Chairman Shih Che announced that the company plans to review fares after the introduction of new trains in July 2027, potentially ending a 20-year freeze on ticket prices.

According to Focus Taiwan, THSRC intends to present a fare adjustment proposal by next July, with any potential increases possibly taking effect as early as September 2028, once all 12 new N700ST trainsets are operational. The future fare system is expected to offer options such as more flexible early-bird discounts, discounts based on travel purposes, and differentiated fares for long- and short-distance trips or nonstop services.

During a ceremony at the Port of Kaohsiung, where the first of the 12 new N700ST trainsets from Japan was unloaded, Shih emphasized that any fare adjustments will rely on improvements in the passenger experience. "We first have to make sure everyone can ride comfortably," Shih said, noting that the new fleet is expected to enhance passenger service and increase capacity.

Shih highlighted that the new trains represent THSRC's first significant shift to operating two train models in 22 years, posing additional challenges for maintenance and other operations.

According to THSRC, the 12-car trainset delivered will be moved to the Kaohsiung maintenance facility for assembly, testing, and safety inspections. Assembly and static testing are anticipated to be finished by November, followed by dynamic testing of traction, braking, and passenger service systems, which is scheduled to conclude by the end of April 2027.

The remaining 11 trainsets are expected to arrive between 2026 and 2028, with the first three new trainsets scheduled to begin service on July 1, 2027.