Taiwan High Speed Rail uses the 700T train model, derived from Japan’s Shinkansen technology.
The 700T was developed for Taiwan High Speed Rail by a consortium led by Japanese manufacturers. It is based largely on the 700 Series Shinkansen design, with adaptations for Taiwan’s climate, infrastructure, signaling, and operating requirements.
Taiwan High Speed Rail began passenger service in 2007 on the west-coast corridor between Taipei and Zuoying, near Kaohsiung. The railway dramatically reduced travel times between the island’s major western cities.
The letter T distinguishes the Taiwanese version from Japan’s 700 Series. The trains use standard gauge track and are designed for a maximum operating speed of 300 km/h. They are not the same trains as Japan’s E5 or N700S sets, even though all belong to the broader Shinkansen family of technology.