Transport passes
The Executive Yuan recently approved the central government’s promotion plan for the use of public transport, which would subsidize a NT$1,200 monthly public transport pass program for people who commute by bus, MRT, train or public bikes in Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung and Taoyuan in northern Taiwan.
In central and southern Taiwan, there would be two types of commuter passes: the “intercity pass” and “intracity pass.” Some other cities and counties could also develop passes. The Cabinet’s plan would take effect in July.
The NT$1,200 monthly pass, which would offer unlimited rides on public transport in northern Taiwan, is an upgrade of the current NT$1,280 pass for Taipei and New Taipei City, which is only applicable to buses and MRT trains. By expanding the scope to Keelung and Taoyuan, the policy would benefit commuters.
However, local governments should urge the central government to subsidize local bus operators to open more routes.
It should increase services and make transfers more convenient. Without sufficient routes and convenient transfers, the cheap passes might not convince commuters to drop the habit of driving or riding a scooter to work.
The notorious 9026 bus service connecting downtown Keelung with Taipei’s Nangang Bus Station only runs once an hour, so why would a monthly commuter pass be helpful?
If the local governments’ commuter passes are successful, they could be integrated to apply to all regions. For instance, if the pass for northern Taiwan can also be used in central, southern and eastern Taiwan during holidays, the passes are likely to boost local tourism.
Wang Chung-hsuan
Taipei
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