Taichung: The Heart of Central Taiwan

Taichung’s railway development began in 1908 with the completion of the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) Western Line, connecting the city to Taipei in the north and Kaohsiung in the south. This line became the backbone of Taichung’s transport network, linking it to key economic centers across Taiwan.

In 2007, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) revolutionized travel between northern and southern Taiwan. With a station in Wuri District, THSR Taichung Station provides fast and efficient connections to Taipei in under an hour and Kaohsiung in just 50 minutes.

Urban Transit: A Growing Network

To support its expanding population and urban growth, Taichung has invested in public transportation infrastructure, including the development of a modern metro system.

Taichung Metro

The Green Line (Wuri-Wenxin-Beitun Line), inaugurated in 2021, is Taichung’s first metro line. Running 16.7 kilometers from Wuri to Beitun, it connects residential areas, shopping districts, and the high-speed rail station. Plans for additional lines, including the Blue Line and Orange Line, are underway to further enhance connectivity within the city.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Before the metro system, Taichung introduced a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, featuring dedicated lanes and high-capacity buses. Although controversial and later restructured, the BRT system laid the groundwork for improved urban mobility.

Key Railway and Transit Highlights

• TRA Taichung Station:
  The newly renovated Taichung Railway Station blends historical architecture with modern design. Its central location makes it a hub for regional rail services and local transit.

• THSR Taichung Station:
  Located in Wuri, this state-of-the-art high-speed rail station integrates seamlessly with local rail and bus services, serving as a gateway to destinations like Sun Moon Lake and Alishan.

• Metro Green Line:
  A convenient option for city travelers, the Green Line connects key districts and integrates with other transit modes for a seamless travel experience.

Exploring Central Taiwan by Rail

Taichung’s strategic location makes it a perfect base for exploring the cultural and natural attractions of central Taiwan:

• Sun Moon Lake: A short trip via THSR and bus, this picturesque lake is one of Taiwan’s most famous destinations.

• Guguan Hot Springs: Accessible by bus from Taichung, Guguan offers a tranquil retreat with natural hot springs and scenic mountain views.

• Lukang Old Street: Accessible by bus, Lukang is a historic town filled with temples, traditional crafts, and delicious local food.

Challenges and Future Prospects

As Taichung grows, the current metro network is expanding to meet the city's need. With the construction process set to start from 2026, increasing the metro network's coverage.  The line will connect Taichung Station, City Hall, and Shalu.

• Future developments include the expansion of the metro network, the introduction of smart transit solutions, and plans for greener, more sustainable urban transportation.