Next-generation bullet trains with more space for luggage storage have been ordered from Japanese manufacturer Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium and would arrive in the coming years, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp (THSRC) officials said on Saturday.
The increasing number of people traveling abroad have resulted in crowded conditions on the nation’s high-speed rail (HSR), and many regular commuters have complained, the officials said.
More travellers going abroad means more space on the nation’s HSR being taken up by luggage, creating a need for more capacity to meet the demand, they added.
Photo: Huang Hsu-lei, Taipei Times
Data from the Tourism Administration showed that 8.28 million people traveled abroad by air from January to June this year, an increase of 68 percent from the same period last year.
Taichung Station, the rail line’s mid-point, is well known for being extremely crowded during peak hours due to passengers with large luggage filling up the rack and storage areas, the officials said.
A traveler surnamed Chang (張) said she often takes trips to Japan from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, traveling in business class on the HSR to get to the airport.
“Although I have a business class seat that is slightly larger than the standard class seat, there is not enough space to fit my luggage at my feet,” she said.
“However, when I get on the train, the luggage storage and racks are usually fully occupied, so it is quite a problem,” she added.
Another traveler surnamed Liu (劉), who usually gets on at Chiayi Station en route to Taoyuan Station, said he often has to stand as there is no room to put his luggage in front of his seat.
THSRC officials said that 34 trains were refurbished in 2021 to add space for luggage, bringing the total number of storage spaces in each train from 45 to 61.
The next-generation high-speed trains would have even more space, they added.
If the luggage racks are filled up, or luggage is blocking walkways or passenger seats, people can notify train service staff who can help make more space, the officials said.
More patrols would also be conducted to ensure walkways are not blocked, they said.
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