Extra trains added during National Day holiday; early bird discounts on high-speed rail start on the 12th

▲ Early bird discounts continue during the high-speed rail holiday period. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

During this year’s three-day National Day holiday, to meet travelers’ needs for returning home and tourism, both the high-speed rail (HSR) and Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) have announced additional services during the holiday transport period. The HSR will operate 740 trains over five days,and maintain both non-reserved seating and early bird discounts.The TRA will add 180 extra trains, with ticket sales expected to open on September 25.

The high-speed rail willrun from October 9 (Thursday) to October 13 (Monday)with 36 southbound and 29 northbound trains, totaling 65 additional services. During peak hours, seven trains will be operated per hour in each direction to maximize transport capacity for passengers.To encourage the public to travel by high-speed rail during the holiday period,the “early bird discount” will apply to as many as 504 train services. Of these, 55 designated services in standard class with assigned seating will offer a 31-train full 65% discount and 24 trains a full 10% discount; all services will also continue to provide 3 to 4 cars of non-reserved seating. However, promotions such as “off-peak weekday discounts,” “senior citizen discounts,” “group discounts for 30 or more people,” and “school field trips” will not apply during this period. Tickets can be purchased starting at midnight on September 12 (Friday).

The TRA will add a total of 180 extra trains, including 65 on the Western Trunk Line, 93 on the Eastern Trunk Line, and 22 on the South-Link Line,with ticket sales expected to openat midnight on September 25.