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New Japan-Made Shinkansen Arrives in Taiwan

TAIPEI - A new Japanese-made high-speed train developed for Taiwan arrived in the southern city of Kaohsiung on August 15, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in July 2027.

The new train, designated the N700ST, was unloaded slowly from a cargo vessel, displaying its distinctive orange and black stripes before an arrival ceremony was held.

The N700ST is based on the N700S used on Japan's Tokaido Shinkansen and was specially developed for Taiwan High Speed Rail.

The trains were ordered from a consortium including Hitachi and Toshiba.

With a maximum operating speed of 300 kilometers per hour, the N700ST incorporates technology designed to reduce noise and vibration. It is also equipped with a system that allows the train to move under its own power in the event of an electricity outage.

Takuya Yamakawa, a representative of the Hitachi-Toshiba consortium, said, "We are confident that it will help support the development of Taiwanese society."

Taiwan High Speed Rail plans to use the new trains to increase passenger capacity, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in July 2027.

Source: FNN

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