For longer distances, riding trains and/or high-speed rails is common for just about everyone.
I wasn't used to casually taking trains before, but now, I love how convenient a quick train ride can be! Locals are very helpful when asking for help with directions. Just about anybody is willing to point a foreigner in the right direction in my experience. Train stations are definitely busy and overwhelming at times, but you can easily dip into a convenience store stand nearby to catch your breath. The trains themselves are pretty comfy too. The high-speed rail is especially comfortable - it's shaped like a plane without wings, and kind of looks like a plane does on the inside too. It's a little more expensive but can take you from city to city in the shortest amount of time. It's a high-tech experience that feels futuristic compared to what I remembered traveling on as a child.
There is a special etiquette to follow when boarding trains or high speed rails here. This means that there are a few unspoken rules that everyone sticks to when traveling. People tend to line up when preparing to get on or off a train instead of going all at once. Also, people are sure to be careful about not hurting others since you can often find yourself brushing up against strangers because of the crowds. I think this says a lot about my experiences moving throughout the public in the city. Taiwanese public spaces are very trusting and based on mutual respect.
