The event led to the activation of earthquake detection warning levels 1 to 3 across a 275.1-kilometer section of the railway, stretching from Nangang Station to Tainan Station. In response, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation initiated an Emergency Response Center to oversee the situation and immediately dispatched maintenance personnel to conduct thorough inspections of the railway's infrastructure, including tracks and power systems.
The standard operating procedures implemented ensured a methodical evaluation of the railway's safety and integrity. After a careful examination and a gradual increase in operating speeds, it was confirmed that the infrastructure sustained no damage from the earthquake, allowing for the resumption of normal operations by afternoon of the same day. The corporation managed to maintain its schedule, with all trains departing as planned post-inspection.
The earthquake prompted the corporation to temporarily adopt a reduced operation mode from 8 a.m. to 13 p.m., during which 44 train services were canceled to ensure passenger safety. To mitigate the impact on travelers, the company arranged for 22 additional trains to run from Nangang Station and Zuoying Station, excluding the sixth business car which operates free-seat trains, to accommodate the transportation needs of affected passengers.
Furthermore, efforts were made to keep passengers informed about the delays and operational changes. Enhanced announcements at stations and on trains were part of the company's strategy to maintain clear communication. Additional staff were also deployed at various stations to assist passengers during the disruption, providing necessities such as bread and mineral water.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by railway operations during natural disasters and the importance of swift response and effective communication in managing such situations to minimize inconvenience to passengers.
