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Premier gives high-speed rail system an `A'

Flanked by Minister of Transportation and Communications Tsai Duei, left, and other ministry officials, Premier Su Tseng-chang, center, inspects a Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp train yesterday. Su rode the train from Kaohsiung to Taipei County yesterday. The new rail system is scheduled to begin operations on New Year's Day. PHOTO: CHANG CHIA-MING, TAIPEI TIMES

Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) gave the thumbs-up to the new high-speed rail system after he took a Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp (THSRC) train from Kaohsiung to Taipei yesterday.

"The system's security checks were approved and inspected. We will respect and trust professionals instead of criticizing it as amateurs," Su said.

He made his remarks after reporters pressed him for a comment after his ride. He went to Kaohsiung yesterday morning to attend the inauguration of Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) and took the high-speed train back to Taipei in the afternoon.

"The train is very smooth, very comfortable and very safe. The last part of the inspection of the high speed rail system was completed and approved. I would endorse it," Su said.

He said he was quite satisfied with his ride and would give the new system an "A," adding that the only thing he was uncomfortable about was the high ticket prices.

"I think there is still room for improvement on that issue," he said. "If the tickets were cheaper, I would definitely give it an `A+.'"

Su said many people had told him about the high speed train and urged him to try it, but he had been unconvinced before the inspection process was completed.

"Safety is our priority. I want to make sure that the system will only bring the Taiwanese people convenience, not concern for their loved ones," he said.

Minister of Transportation and Communications Tsai Duei (蔡堆) said that 33 security checks were carried out and completed before the high speed rail system was approved on Sunday night.

"I have been on the high-speed train a couple of times. I assure you that progress has been made and that now it is a system without problems and ready to be opened to the public," Tsai said.

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