Sat, Jan 31, 2004 page1

• Taiwan's new high-speed train goes on show in Japan

  • By Joy Su / STAFF REPORTER
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  The first of the newly completed passenger cars for the Taiwan High Speed Railway were unveiled to the public yesterday morning in Kobe.

  "The inauguration of the high-speed railway will be the nation's second transportation revolution, following the completion of the first national freeway," said Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Ling-san (林陵三), adding that the railway would transform Taiwan's western corridor into one community and significantly shave travel time between north and south.

  The 700T-model railway cars -- manufactured by Taiwan Shinkansen Corp, a joint venture between Kawasaki Heavy Industries and other Japanese companies -- were exhibited yesterday during a roll-out ceremony that began with the playing of the national anthems of the Republic of China (ROC) and Japan.

  

  A bullet train built for Taiwan's High-Speed Rail Corp is unveiled at a ceremony in Kobe, western Japan, yesterday.

  PHOTO: JOY SU, TAIPEI TIMES

  "It's been a long time since the ROC flag was flown in a public arena in Japan. Seeing the flags of both nations flown today at the roll-out ceremony, as well as hearing both national anthems, I am very moved and proud," Lin said.

  Lin also said he hoped that the future would afford more opportunities for cooperation and that the friendship between the two nations could reach a point of stability.

  "Forty years ago, Japan completed its first high-speed railway line. Today, the Taiwan High Speed Railway 700T cars have become the first international output for the Japanese high-speed railway system. For both nations, this achievement carries historic significance," said Nita Ing (殷琪), chairwoman of the Taiwan High Speed Railway Corp (THSRC).

  Lin noted that the high-speed railway was already 53 percent complete and that construction of the civil works portion was 93 percent complete.

  Lin said the 700T trains incorporated the latest in technology, with the T standing for Taiwan because they were custom made for the Taiwanese market.

  The trains, costing NT$100 million per set, differ significantly from their Japanese counterparts. In addition to an exterior specifically designed to withstand Taiwan's hotter, more humid climate, the trains are capable of traveling as fast as 300 kph. Japan's trains can only travel as fast as 285 kph.

  Trains on the northern portion of the high-speed rail line will travel at 285kph, but maintain a speed of 300kph between Tai-chung and the south.

  Ing also announced another difference -- smoking will not be permitted on the trains.

  Each train will accommodate a total of 989 passengers -- 66 in business class and the rest in the standard-class cars.

  The color scheme of the standard-class cars is green. Passengers will be seated five abreast, with three on one side of the aisle and two on the other. The cars will be equipped with bathrooms, vending machines and telephone booths.

  According to THSRC officials, the trains will be shipped to Taiwan in May and undergo testing in Kaohsiung in September. The railway, a NT$560 billion project, is scheduled to begin operations in October next year.

  As for what will happen to the Taiwan Railway Administration after the high-speed rail line goes into operation, Lin assured the media that after the Lunar New Year strike threat, the TRA was very clear as to what its future operations would be.

  He said the eastern region would become the TRA's main market.

  Lin said the next task was to formulate guidelines to guarantee smooth operations after the high-speed railway is launched.
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