Taiwan Railway Corporation will introduce sixty-four additional train services. This significant increase will specifically support the upcoming Lunar New Year travel period. Therefore, the company aims to meet a major annual surge in passenger demand. Tickets for these new services go on sale at midnight this Thursday. This move represents the third round of added schedules for the holiday.
Consequently, the total extra holiday capacity now reaches three hundred eighty-seven trains. The official travel period spans twelve days from February twelfth onward. Furthermore, the core nine-day national holiday begins on February fourteenth. These additional trains will primarily operate during those nine peak days. The company detailed this plan in a formal public statement recently.
Specifically, the plan includes six reserved-seat trains on eastern routes. Another six reserved-seat trains will also run on the western line. Overall, this expanded schedule raises total system capacity by eight percent. This percentage surpasses the corporation’s normal weekday service levels significantly. Travelers can book seats through multiple convenient platforms starting Thursday.
These platforms include the official company website and its mobile application. Additionally, passengers can use telephone services or visit local convenience stores. The full schedule for the new trains is now available online. This initiative addresses the most intensive travel season of the year directly. Railway transport traditionally sees extreme pressure during this festival.
Previously, the company announced two other rounds of added services. Those earlier announcements already accounted for three hundred twenty-three extra trains. Today’s update brings the final total to a much larger figure. This layered approach helps manage expected passenger volumes strategically. The corporation routinely implements such measures for major holidays.
Moreover, the company will suspend non-reserved seating on certain western line trains. This temporary policy will run from February twelfth through the twenty-third. Instead, these trains will offer two hundred standing tickets daily. These standing tickets will be available for purchase on the travel date itself. This change aims to maximize efficiency and onboard space utilization.
Industry experts recognize the Lunar New Year migration as a major logistical event. Millions of residents traditionally travel to reunite with family members nationwide. Rail service remains a backbone of this annual mass movement. Adequate holiday capacity is therefore a critical public service issue. The government often monitors these transportation preparations closely.
This year’s extended holiday period likely increases travel demand further. The railway’s response demonstrates proactive operational planning. Successful management of this peak period avoids widespread public inconvenience. It also supports local economies by facilitating smooth consumer movement. Tourist destinations typically benefit from this reliable connectivity as well.
Looking ahead, the company will analyze post-holiday travel data carefully. This analysis will inform capacity planning for future major festivals. Investments in rolling stock and infrastructure also support long-term capacity goals. The overall trend points towards increasingly sophisticated demand management. Passenger convenience remains a central focus for the state-run corporation.
Ultimately, the additional holiday capacity provides a vital public service. It ensures that traditional family reunions can proceed smoothly. The railway’s role in social cohesion during festivals is undeniable. This annual operational ramp-up is a well-established national routine. Travelers can now finalize their festive season itineraries with greater confidence.
