Taiwan High Speed Rail - History - Controversy - Design and Implementation

Design and Implementation

On the TRUPO section in Taipei, THSR tracks were to replace TRA's existing tracks, leading to concerns on TRA's part that capacity would be limited during the construction period. TRA was to give up the tracks and some station platforms without receiving compensation or rent. Rail unions said that this arrangement would result in a reduction of TRA services by more than a fourth and lead to income and job loss. They organised a protest rally in March 2002, after which the Ministry of Transport agreed to re-negotiate the TRA–THSRC contract. The cancellation of some TRA train services resulting from the final station platform lease agreement led to another union protest and threat of strike action in February 2003. Unions continued to protest the TRA–THSRC agreement, accusing the government of having favored THSRC.

THSRC had disputes with core systems contractor TSC over technology and responsibility for delays. Already during the final contract negotiations, TSC objected to THSRC's intention to mix European and Japanese technology, citing safety reasons, and negotiations were drawn out. Prior to the planned opening in 2005, THSRC blamed TSC for construction delays, identifying that as the reason for the postponement of the opening. Japanese media sources blamed Japanese–European technology integration for the delay.

THSRC opponents also made claims about poor construction quality, which the company rejected, deeming them routine problems that had already been dealt with. A longer controversy emerged when high-tech firms in a business park close to the line expressed concerns regarding vibrations.