TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Introduction of the TPASS 10 months ago has raised the use of public transportation by 16%, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) said Wednesday (April 24).

The TPASS is a monthly card allowing commuters an unlimited number of rides on transportation services in several urban areas. The program was launched July 1, with 6.08 million purchases of the NT$1,200 (US$36.84) card recorded, per Radio Taiwan International (RTI).

The system  resulted in 446 million rides, while more counties and cities joined in. Penghu will adopt the TPASS program next month, meaning it will cover most of the country.

Hualien County reported a 69.8% increase in the use of buses following its introduction of TPASS, while the number of passengers on the Taoyuan Mass Rapid Transit system surged by 81.8%. Tainan City saw the use of public bicycles rise sixfold.

In order to mark the first anniversary of TPASS, more than 1,000 prizes will be available until the end of June, with the top amount set at NT$15,000 worth of free travel for one year. Participants have to register at the Highway Bureau website.

The government budgeted NT$20 billion for three years of the TPASS program, which was originally designed to help revive public transport after the COVID-19 pandemic. Government officials said Wednesday they were confident the new administration would continue to support the scheme beyond 2025.