HSR, TRA to reduce train services during epidemic alert period as passenger numbers plummet

Taiwan’s High Speed Rail passenger numbers are down more than 71%, and Taiwan Railways passenger demand is down more than 65% as the nation goes into Level 3 epidemic alert, and train services will be reduced in response, HSR announced yesterday, and TRA announced today, May 19.

HSR said that it would run 171 fewer services per week from May 21 to June 10, after daily passenger volume fell 71.08% over the daily average for March this year.

TRA passenger trips yesterday numbered around 200,000, compared with an average 580,000 per day average in March. TRA said it would suspend all sightseeing trains until June 8, and reduce regular services. Week days will see a reduction of 25 train services per day, and there will be 40 less daily services on holidays.

The total number of services will be reduced from 868 to 843 on weekdays and 875 to 835 on holidays.

Passengers who have already booked tickets on cancelled services will be eligible for a full refund.

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