The Spanish rail vehicle manufacturer CAF is further expanding its presence on the Asian market: At the beginning of June 2025, the company signed a framework agreement with leading Malaysian construction company Gamuda Berhad to supply up to 23 Urbos trams for two new lines in New Taipei City, Taiwan’s largest metropolitan region.
The project comprises the planned Xizhi-Donghu (Xidong) and Keelung lines, which are to be operated by the city’s Rapid Transit Systems Department. The contract includes not only the delivery of the vehicles, but also spare parts, workshop equipment and a driving simulator. The total value of the contract – including all options – could amount to around 200 million euros.
This is CAF’s second major tramway project in Taiwan: the company previously realised the integrated tramway system in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, which has been in operation in stages since 2015. The Kaohsiung light rail system was the world’s first completely catenary-free tram line. Thanks to innovative on-board energy storage technology, the vehicles can be charged at the stops and therefore travel without overhead wires – a concept that has attracted a lot of international attention. We reported on it here:
A strategic milestone for New Taipei
With almost 4 million inhabitants, New Taipei City is the most populous city in Taiwan and surrounds the capital Taipei. The new tram project is part of a comprehensive programme to promote sustainable urban mobility and is intended to meet the growing demand for efficient rail transport in densely populated areas.
The first construction phase of the Xidong line will be around 6 kilometres long and fully elevated. Six stops and a depot are planned. CAF is supplying modern Urbos vehicles with nine carriage modules, each of which is over 55 metres long and can carry up to 615 passengers. Each vehicle is equipped with two pantographs. All vehicles are 100% low-floor and will be equipped with the latest technology – tailored to the climatic conditions and operational requirements of the region.
With this new order, CAF is consolidating its position in the Taiwanese market, which the company entered 20 years ago. The award underlines the technological and industrial expertise of CAF and Gamuda and demonstrates the confidence of the Taiwanese authorities in their experience and implementation skills.
CAF trams are now in operation in over 50 cities worldwide – including Stockholm, Birmingham, Sydney, Budapest, Houston, Oslo, Zaragoza and Seville – and now once again in New Taipei City.
10.06.2025
