EMU900 series

The EMU900 series were purchased by the TRA as part of an effort to replace its aging rolling stock, specifically the Chu-Kuang and Fu-Xing services, and to shrink the headway between urban services. In 2017, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications approved an approximately $100 billion NTD plan to replace 990 rail vehicles, or 39.15% of all vehicles, by 2024.[1][2] The plan included 520 electric commuter railcars, 600 intercity railcars, 107 diesel locomotives, and 60 electro-diesel railcars. As the only bidder, South Korea's Hyundai Rotem was contracted for building the 520 commuter railcars (52 trainsets) for $25.7 billion NTD.[3] This marks the first contract given to Hyundai Rotem since 1999.[4]

The trains were built in Hyundai Rotem's Changwon plant.[4] The first two trainsets were delivered to the Port of Hualien on October 24, 2020, and should begin passenger services in the beginning of 2021. The next shipment of ten trainsets are slated to arrive in August 2021, and Hyundai Rotem plans on delivering all trainsets by 2023.[5]

The exterior of the train is designed by MBD Technologies, a French company involved with the design of the TGV. The design is based around the concept of "a smiling welcome".[6] The traction system is provided by Toshiba.[7] Each train is composed of ten cars, an arrangement never previously used. According to the TRA, the EMU900 series is equipped with train control and management system (TCMS), which provide centralized controls for the doors, air conditioning, and fire safety equipment aboard the train. Additionally, the train's lighting can adjust automatically based on the exterior brightness to conserve electricity. The train's interior features twelve bicycle racks, priority seats for pregnant women, eight wheelchair spaces, and three restrooms.[8][9]