TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Railway Corporation (台鐵) announced a 26.8% average fare increase on Wedneday (Feb. 5), marking the first adjustment in 30 years.
The new pricing will see tickets from Taipei to Xinzuoying Station (新左營) on the Tze-Chiang Limited Express (自強號) rise to NT$975. The board meeting, which began at 2 p.m., concluded after two hours with this decision.
Chairman Tu Wei (杜微) explained the need for the fare hike, stating that despite the increase, the corporation aims to retain customers by proposing a return rate below 3%. Last September, the board rejected proposals with higher return rates of 3%, 4%, and 5%, which would have resulted in average fare increases of up to 44.52%.
The fare adjustments include increases for various routes. The Taipei to Banqiao (板橋) commuter train fare will rise from NT$15 to NT$22, while the Tze-Chiang Limited Express fare will increase to NT$34.
Taiwan Railway Corporation estimates the fare hike will boost annual revenue by approximately NT$4.715 billion. Following board approval, the proposal will be reviewed by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (交通部) and then the Executive Yuan (行政院). The new fares will be implemented two months after the final approval.
