Meet the new high-speed rail stations head-on: Taiwan Railways launches Taipei-Kaohsiung Puyuma trains in February, with tickets 647 NTD cheaper

▲ File photo of the Puyuma train. (Photo / Reporter Yu T&R)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

To counter the opening of new high-speed rail stations, Taiwan Railways is launching semi-direct Puyuma trains between Taipei and Kaohsiung in February, offering tickets 647 NTD cheaper than those for the high-speed rail.

According to the China Times, since the addition of three new high-speed rail stations, passenger volume has exceeded 3,000 people per day on holidays. Taiwan Railways estimates that the three new stations—located near Miaoli, Tianzhong, and Douliu—have seen about a 5% drop in weekend passenger traffic. To compete, Taiwan Railways will launch semi-direct Puyuma trains between Taipei and Kaohsiung starting in February, with a travel time of 3 hours and 50 minutes, and tickets priced 647 NTD lower than the high-speed rail.

Taiwan Railways Administration stated that due to the high-speed rail’s “buy one get one free” promotion, it’s still unclear whether Taiwan Railways has lost passengers to the high-speed rail. However, based on current observations, the long-distance impact is more significant. One factor is time advantage, the other is price. Although the high-speed rail takes only 1 hour and 36 minutes for the Taipei-Kaohsiung route, while the Taiwan Railways semi-direct train makes an estimated three to four stops, runs once a day, and takes 3 hours and 50 minutes, the ticket prices tell a different story: 1,490 NTD for the high-speed rail versus just 842 NTD for Taiwan Railways—almost half the price. The choice depends on what travelers prioritize.

▲ The high-speed rail has the time advantage and, despite its higher price, still maintains a solid customer base. (Photo / Reporter Ji Xiangru)

In interviews with the public, the option seems particularly appealing to students. Huang, a student at Shih Hsin University, said that because she currently doesn’t have much money, she would likely choose the relatively cheaper Taiwan Railways option when considering ticket prices. However, for business professionals who view time as money, the likelihood of choosing the high-speed rail is probably higher. Both options have their own audiences, and this battle between high-speed rail and Taiwan Railways is far from over.

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