Taiwan High Speed Rail's first new-generation N700ST train was moved into the Yanchao main depot in Kaohsiung today, welcome news for high-speed rail passengers as it marks another step forward in the renewal of the fleet.

• The first batch of the 12-car N700ST train arrived from Japan at Pier 74 of Kaohsiung Port and was transported overland into the Yanchao main depot early this morning under police escort.
• The train drew large crowds along the way to watch and take photos, with many uploading images to social media and declaring that they had witnessed a milestone in the history of the high-speed rail.
• This batch of new trains comes from a 2023 procurement contract for 12 sets signed between Taiwan High Speed Rail and the Hitachi-Toshiba consortium, intended to expand capacity.
• After arriving, the new train will first be unloaded, then transported overland during the late-night hours, after which assembly testing and various safety inspections will begin.

Outlook: The new train will only formally enter service carrying passengers after it completes a series of pre-operation inspections and preparations.