TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Starting March 1, Taipei Metro will reduce its frequent rider discounts from the current 10-30% range to 5-15%.
The adjustment comes as the metro system faces its first projected deficit due to rising electricity costs, salary increases, and a higher minimum wage. Despite this, fares will remain unchanged, as the company acknowledges public financial concerns.
In November, Taipei Metro announced the discount reduction, estimating it will affect around 300,000 passengers. For example, a commuter paying NT$20 (US$0.61) per ride and traveling 50 times a month will see their monthly rebate decrease from NT$250 to NT$150, effectively raising their per-trip cost by NT$2, per CNA.
Special fare programs, such as senior citizen cards and TPass monthly passes, will not be affected.
Under the new discount structure:
- 11 to 20 rides per month: 5% cash rebate (95% fare)
- 21 to 40 rides per month: 10% cash rebate (90% fare)
- More than 40 rides per month: 15% cash rebate (85% fare)
Passengers spending over NT$1,200 on fares per month are encouraged to purchase the TPass, which offers unlimited 30-day travel across Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan for NT$1,200. The pass covers Taiwan Railways, intercity buses, city buses, metro, light rail, and YouBike.
Additionally, under the TPass 2.0 program, passengers who register their electronic fare cards on the Taiwan Highway Bureau’s website will receive an extra 2% rebate on Taipei Metro fares if they take 11 or more rides per month.
