Taiwan High Speed Rail Museum opened to the public Jan. 5 in Taoyuan City, northern Taiwan, providing visitors the opportunity to learn more about the world-class infrastructure project and its contributions to the development of Taiwan’s economy, tourism industry and transportation network since commencing services 10 years ago.
 
Comprising 19 separately themed exhibitions, a driver’s cab simulator and a number of interactive displays, the museum draws the curtain back on the engineering feats making possible a one-day living circle via the express 90-minute, 345-kilometer ride through western Taiwan from Taipei City in northern Taiwan to Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan. An array of facts and figures is also on offer about THSR, which serves the nation’s 23 million people and hits a top speed of 300 kph.
 
Premier Lin Chuan said at the museum’s opening ceremony that THSR is an outstanding example of public-private sector collaboration. “The success of the high-speed rail underscores the flexibility and management expertise of Taiwan companies, as well as the government’s commitment to supporting projects bolstering the nation’s industrial prowess.”
 
In addition to taking local standards of train travel to new heights, Lin said THSR is a key driver of rail-related sectors such as components manufacturing and maintenance services.
 
According to the premier, he anticipates system operator THSR Corp. will continue strengthening its management practices and procedures en route to transforming into a leading international provider of turnkey rail operation solutions.
 
Echoing Lin’s remarks, Transportation and Communications Minister Ho Chen Tan said he expects THSR to further integrate with services operated by Taiwan Railways Administration, as well as the country’s extensive bus network, to provide greater convenience for residents and visitors from abroad.
 
The US$18 billion THSR was the largest privately managed and funded build-operate-transfer project in the world when construction began in March 2000. As of year-end 2016, accumulated ridership reached 400 million, with the daily average topping 153,000. During the first 11 months of last year, ridership increased 12.7 percent year on year to 51.42 million, according to THSRC. (SFC-E)
 
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