Over 1,000 apply for 15 new Taiwan High Speed Rail driver positions

Taipei, Sept. 15 (CNA) Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. (THSRC) said Tuesday that more than 1,000 people applied for 15 driver openings in the first phase of its largest-ever recruitment drive.

The strong response comes as THSRC prepares to introduce new N700ST trains and increase services to meet growing passenger demand, the company said Tuesday.

The first batch of new drivers reported for work in September and is undergoing training, while a second batch is scheduled to begin training in November, THSRC said.

THSRC said that it plans to hire a total of 45 new drivers this year and next.

All new drivers will be trained to operate both the existing 700T trains and the new N700ST system.

The training includes classroom instruction, simulator sessions and hands-on training, the company said.

The training is expected to be completed in stages early next year to coincide with testing of the new trains on regular tracks.

THSRC currently has 213 train drivers, all of whom will also need to undergo training on the N700ST system before they can operate the new trains.

The company has ordered 12 N700ST trainsets from Japan. The first arrived in Taiwan in August and is undergoing testing, while the second is expected to arrive as early as December.

The first N700ST train is scheduled to begin passenger service on July 1, 2027.

Applicants for the driver positions must have at least a university degree, with no specific major required. Applicants with science or engineering backgrounds and good English communication skills are preferred.

Candidates must pass a written test, aptitude test, interview and medical examination, followed by about eight months of training before they can qualify as train drivers.