Inside Photos of Puyuma Train Released; Speed Soars Over 130 km/h

▲ Interior photos of the Puyuma train. (Photo / Courtesy ofTaitung County Government Tourism Department’s Facebook page)

Reported by Hsiao Wan-ning / Compiled by staff

Today, Taiwan Railways launched the first Puyuma train service from Taipei to Taitung (Train No. 402), arriving in Taitung within the estimated time frame. This inaugural journey was especially meaningful as it was driven by a conductor from the Paiwan tribe in Taitung (the Paiwan in Taitung are also called Puyuma). After arriving in Taitung, photos of the interior of the Puyuma train were also published on the Taitung County Government’s official Facebook page.

The inaugural run also prioritized disadvantaged groups and schoolchildren for the first ride experience. Taiwan Railways stated that starting July 16, the electrification of the eastern line will officially commence, along with adjusted train schedules. All 17 Puyuma trains will be put into service, becoming the main train type on the eastern trunk line. These will replace the aging DR2700 diesel trains with commuter EMU trainsets, offering a brand-new railway service for the East Coast line.

▲ Electronic panels are used for onboard signage. (Photo / Courtesy ofTaitung County Government Tourism Department’s Facebook page)

According to a report by an Apple Daily reporter who rode the train, the Puyuma still experiences some shaking, which can cause slight dizziness during the ride. However, the trip from Hualien to Taitung took less than an hour and a half, and the train sometimes exceeded 130 km/h while taking turns, which is the main reason for the swaying.