Taiwan High Speed Rail shows next-generation bullet trains' livery, name

Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. (THSRC) unveiled the livery for the company's new generation of bullet trains, formally named the N700ST series, in a statement on Wednesday.

The N700ST series is modeled after Japan's N700S "Supreme" Shinkansen bullet trains, with the added T intended to represent Taiwan, THSRC said.

The Taiwanese bullet train operator said it decided to adopt the same color scheme currently used on its fleet of first-generation 700T series trains, with the new trains painted white, orange and black, to ensure a consistent look.

THSRC said interior design and features on board the new trains also reflect efforts to meet the demands of passengers in Taiwan.

The new trains will have seats fitted with charging ports, while the carriage will be designed to reduce noise and vibration during journeys like the N700S trains running in Japan since July 2022, the company said.

The first 12-carriage train is being built by Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium and is scheduled to be delivered in August 2026, the THSRC said.

The new trains are expected to be rolled out during the second half of 2027, once all tests are completed, THSRC added.

The 12 trains ordered by THSRC will enhance the train operator's ability to run extra services during peak hours by 25 percent, the company said.

In a graphic released by THSRC to show the appearance of the new trains, the N700ST series shares the same design as Japan's N700S. Both have a longer "nose," which is meant to allow the trains to run at a higher speed, according to a Japan Railways (JR) Group article.

With what is described as the "duck-billed design" and other features aimed at reducing air resistance, the new trains in Japan can travel through tunnels almost at full speed, the article said.

The Taiwanese train operator has also been building a second depot at its southernmost Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung, adding facilities for the new trains at its current depot, while working on the modification of platform doors at Taipei Main Station, it said.