TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei City's Transportation Department (新北市政府交通局) announced on Monday (Oct. 21) that it is reviewing fare adjustment proposals for buses operating between Taipei and New Taipei. Officials aim to finalize the decision by the end of the year in response to rising operational costs driven by inflation and the shift toward electric buses.
The Central News Agency (CNA, 中央社) reported that bus operators have requested fare adjustments every two years due to inflation and soaring land prices. Station rentals, personnel, and maintenance costs have surged, compounded by the government's push for electric buses, which increases expenses for charging stations and vehicle purchases. The bus association proposed fare hikes to NT$29 in Taipei City and NT$27 in New Taipei City.
During a council session, Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Councilor Chou Sheng-kao (周勝考) urged the city government to subsidize fares instead of raising ticket prices. Chou hopes the fare review will be completed by early December.
Chung Ming-shih (鍾鳴時), head of New Taipei's Transportation Department, confirmed that the bus association had submitted fare adjustment proposals. He stated that the department is conducting a final review of cost structures and working conditions and will provide a clear response by the end of the year.
