The 1067mm-gauge 150km/h trains will be used on Taroko Express servicesfrom Taipei to Hualian on the east coast of Taiwan. This line was
upgraded in 2007 and services are operated by a fleet of tilting
TEMU1000 eight-car emus supplied by Hitachi, which are derived from the
JR West 885 Series. This contract included an option for an additional
48 vehicles, which TRA decided it was unable to exercise due to
fluctuations in the exchange rate, instead opting to launch a new
tender.
It is understood Hitachi did not submit a bid for the latest contract,
and TRA says Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo was the only bidder able to satisfy
its price and delivery requirements.
