Taiwan's new high speed train service - which begins commercial operations on Friday - is expected to herald the start of a transport revolution on the island.
The service could change the way people work and live along Taiwan's densely populated western corridor, which is home to more than 90% of its 23 million population.
Travelling on the sleek white and orange trains at speeds of up to 300km/h (186 mph) will see journey times between the capital, Taipei, in the north, and Kaohsiung, the island's second largest city in the south, slashed from more than four hours to just 90 minutes.
Travelling on the sleek white and orange trains at speeds of up to 300km/h (186 mph) will see journey times between the capital, Taipei, in the north, and Kaohsiung, the island's second largest city in the south, slashed from more than four hours to just 90 minutes.