Computex 2007: The Last of Its Kind

After purchasing the ticket you have to find the right track. Since all you need is the train ID, this is easy even for foreigners who cannot read Chinese.

After purchasing the ticket you have to find the right track. Since all you need is the train ID, this is easy even for foreigners who cannot read Chinese.

Here we go. The trip is about to begin.

Here we go. The trip is about to begin.

The business class is almost double the fare than economy class, but passengers get a 110 V power plug, wider and more comfortable seats, a foot rest and a headphone plug if you want to listen to music.

The business class is almost double the fare than economy class, but passengers get a 110 V power plug, wider and more comfortable seats, a foot rest and a headphone plug if you want to listen to music.

The economy class ride is fairly affordable at NT$ 700 (US$ 23) to Taichung in the middle of Taiwan, and NT$ 1,490 (US$ 48) to Zouying in the south. This is a 345 km ride (215 miles).

The economy class ride is fairly affordable at NT$ 700 (US$ 23) to Taichung in the middle of Taiwan, and NT$ 1,490 (US$ 48) to Zouying in the south. This is a 345 km ride (215 miles).

Coke and some snacks for NT$45 - that's less than US$ 1.50!

Coke and some snacks for NT$45 - that’s less than US$ 1.50 !

A total of eight stations are in operation now. Five more stations will be added soon, including Kaohsiung in the south and Nangang, which is close to Taipei. Nangang might also be the location of future Computex exhibitions.

A total of eight stations are in operation now. Five more stations will be added soon, including Kaohsiung in the south and Nangang, which is close to Taipei. Nangang might also be the location of future Computex exhibitions.

The Taichung station in the middle of Taiwan is only one example - most of the HSR stations are brand new.

The Taichung station in the middle of Taiwan is only one example - most of the HSR stations are brand new.

Taichung is a state-of-the-art train station.

Taichung is a state-of-the-art train station.

Taiwan's HSR train is fast, reaching up to 300 km/h (190+ mph).

Taiwan’s HSR train is fast, reaching up to 300 km/h (190+ mph).