“Smiling Express” to launch next Spring Festival — New Taiwan Rail Commuter Trains Offer High Speed and Frequent Service

▲ The first batch of 16 EMU800 commuter EMUs arrived in Taiwan in late August. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways)

Reported by Intern Reporter Huang Wanting / Taipei

Following the Puyuma Express, Taiwan Railways has introduced another new train: 296 newly purchased EMU800 series commuter electric multiple units (EMUs), which can reach a top speed of 130 km/h — 20 km/h faster than current models. The front of the train features a yellow curved design resembling a smile, prompting Taiwan Railways staff to nickname it the “Smiling Express.” The first batch of 16 EMU800 commuter EMUs arrived in Taiwan in late August, with plans to enter service by next year’s (2014) Spring Festival.

Taiwan Railways noted that after the EMU800 series enters service, they will initially be deployed on the Keelung to Hsinchu commuter route. There is also potential for launching express commuter services that only stop at major stations, with peak-hour intervals possibly shortened to 8–10 minutes. The railway operator added that the new trains feature a shared area for bicycles and foldable seats in the first and eighth carriages, capable of accommodating up to eight bicycles when foldable seats are not in use.

Additionally, Taiwan Railways stated that the EMU800 commuter EMUs feature a streamlined body design for the first time, with a color scheme based on stainless steel silver-gray, accented by blue and yellow stripes to convey a sleek, fresh, and stylish sense of speed. The front of the train uses a yellow crescent-shaped design to emphasize the rounded front edge with a hint of a smile. This design, combined with the rhythm of speed and streamlining, conveys a concept of convenience and smooth travel.

Taiwan Railways also mentioned that, based on universal design principles, the trains are equipped with barrier-free facilities, large multi-functional toilets, and signage with enhanced patterns and color schemes to meet passengers’ universal access and safety needs. The seats are ergonomically designed to improve passenger comfort, while priority seating accounts for 25% of total seats. The floors are equipped with anti-slip features to enhance passenger safety.