in the mid-1980s, taiwan experienced significant economic growth and increased living standards. as people became more affluent, the tzu-chiang train was no longer considered a privilege of the elite. the emu100 often operated at full capacity, in sold out conditions. tra thus planned to purchase a second generation of tzu-chiang emus, to improve service frequency and relieve congestion. in the budget year 1984–85, funds were made available to order 11 sets of three-car emu200 units from union carriage & wagon works of south africa.