Tze-Chiang Train

Tze-Chiang Train

Tze-Chiang Trains are class of trains operated by the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA). Of the 5 classes operated by the TRA, Tze-Chiang trains are the highest category. Ticketing is done on the basis of mileage (NT$2.27 per km with a 10 km minimum fee). This service is run with the E1000 push-pull, the EMU 1200 (Red), EMU 300 (scarcely run), TEMU1000 (Taroko Express), DR2800 (diesel) and DR3100 (also a diesel multiple unit). The now-retired EMU100 was the first trainset built for this service, which was used for 30 years, terminated ordinary runs at June 15, 2009.

Tzu-Chiang (official spelling; alternate popular spelling is 'Tze-Chiang') is Taiwan Railway Administration's highest class of deluxe express passenger train, and is also the class of service with the highest ticket price per mile.

Tzu-Chiang was so-called because Mr. Chiang Kai-Shek, the former President of Taiwan (Republic of China) issued a speech To all of this nation's military and civilian compatriots on 26 October 1971 in response to United Nations Resolution 2758, in which he urged the country to Respect the Homeland, Strengthen Self (Tzu-Chiang); Respond to Change without Fear. U.N. Resolution 2758 formally recognizes Beijing as the government of Mainland China and de-recognizes Taipei, at the same time revoking Taipei's U.N. membership. For this reason, Tzu-Chiang is also sometimes referred to as the "Self-Strengthening Express".