Taipei Metro to refund teen’s NT$1,000 EasyCard fine

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In response to an incident involving a teenage girl who was fined for mistakenly using her brother's EasyCard, the Taipei Metro on Saturday (Dec. 9) agreed to refund the NT＄1,000 penalty. 

On Dec. 2, the 14-year-old junior high school student used a child's EasyCard, intended for users between 6 and 12, when she was intercepted by station staff.

Under the Mass Rapid Transit Act, misuse of an EasyCard incurs a fine of 50 times the ticket price in addition to the fare due. Consequently, the student was fined NT＄1,000, 50 times the base fare of NT＄20.

Her father, Mr. Chou, complained that Taipei Metro's enforcement was excessive, arguing that his daughter's mistake was unintentional and warranted guidance rather than a fine. 

After reviewing the circumstances and examining the card usage record, Taipei Metro decided to refund the penalty as a gesture of goodwill. The family has been notified, and procedures for the refund are currently being facilitated.

The error occurred at the Ximen MRT Station, where the young girl attempted to return to her home in Sanchong District. 

Taipei Metro highlighted the importance of using the correct card type, as New Taipei's concessionary card for children offers a 60% discount for MRT travel. In contrast, the standard student card does not, potentially leading to a fare difference when misused.