Taichung MRT Kawasaki rolling stock preview

The Taichung MRT (台中捷運) heavy rail line (a.k.a green line) is an elevated metro line currently under construction in the City of Taichung, Taiwan. The 10.4 miles (16.7 km) long green line will begin at the Taichung HSR station in Xinwuri and end at the depot in Beitun. The total number of stations planned for the green line is 15-18, with the line passing by the city hall, parks, and the BRT line (blue line). Plans are to have the elevated metro line completed by sometime in 2018.

On November 9, 2014, the City of Taichung unveiled a full scale model of the rolling stock for public viewing. The public was allowed to enter the trains, sit in them, and ask questions.

 Currently, the Taichung Mass Rail Transit System Corporation has plans to buy 18 trains from Kawasaki. The train cars will be two carriages connected to each other and can be walked through in between. The carriage is 22.17 meters in length, 2.98 meters wide, and 3.78 meters in height. The total length of the two car trains will be 44.34 meters. The total capacity for both sitting and standing will be 536 passengers (268 in each carriage). The train carriages have steel wheels that runs on steel railways (heavy rail lines) and the body is composed of stainless steel. The running speed between the stations will average 20 mph (35 km/h). The maximum speed for the train will be 45 mph (70 km/h). The MRT will be completely automated and the trains will be driverless.

Doors opened simulating a stop at a station.

The interior of the train.

Priority seating for the disabled, elderly, and pregnant women.

The view from up front or rear  in the driverless train.

Digital signs on board announce the  stations on the line and which doors will open.

1/500 scale model of the elevated Taichung City Hall Station.

The opening date for the Taichung Metro is set for late 2018 or middle 2019, give or take. Meanwhile, the long delayed Taoyuan Metro finally opened on March 2, 2017.

Read my article on the Taoyuan Metro: HERE.