Computex 2007: The Last of Its Kind

The 300 km/h HSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail - almost 200 mph) is one of the fastest trains in the world. It began its service in January 5, 2007, and connects Taipei with cities in central and southern Taiwan, and the service has seen its fifth million passe

The 300 km/h HSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail - almost 200 mph) is one of the fastest trains in the world. It began its service in January 5, 2007, and connects Taipei with cities in central and southern Taiwan, and the service has seen its fifth million passe

While we usually prefer talking to a human being rather than using a vending machine, many Taiwanese don't speak very good English. Therefore using the vending machines makes sense. The vending machines support Chinese and English, and they take credit an

While we usually prefer talking to a human being rather than using a vending machine, many Taiwanese don’t speak very good English. Therefore using the vending machines makes sense. The vending machines support Chinese and English, and they take credit an

First you select whether you want a one-way ticket or if you want to purchase a round trip.

First you select whether you want a one-way ticket or if you want to purchase a round trip.

Selecting the destination couldn't be easier, as the vending machine provides city names that point at the exact location on a simple map of Taiwan.

Selecting the destination couldn’t be easier, as the vending machine provides city names that point at the exact location on a simple map of Taiwan.

The next step allows you to select the number of travellers...

The next step allows you to select the number of travellers...

... before you select the date. You can buy tickets up to 10 minutes before departure, or a month in advance. The trains currently run every 30 minutes, which is very convenient.

... before you select the date. You can buy tickets up to 10 minutes before departure, or a month in advance. The trains currently run every 30 minutes, which is very convenient.

All you have to do is select your earliest departure time...

All you have to do is select your earliest departure time...

... and the vending machine will show you all options. You may select an economy class or a business class ride at this point.

... and the vending machine will show you all options. You may select an economy class or a business class ride at this point.

The next screen will summarize your choices. Be sure you didn't make mistakes before you insert your credit card (see next photo).

The next screen will summarize your choices. Be sure you didn’t make mistakes before you insert your credit card (see next photo).

You can pay cash, using a credit card or a debit card.

You can pay cash, using a credit card or a debit card.

You can select to keep the ticket after finishing your journey at the time you buy it.

You can select to keep the ticket after finishing your journey at the time you buy it.