TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Railway Corporation (台鐵) received approval on Friday (Feb. 21) for a fare increase of approximately 26.8%, marking its first adjustment in 30 years. The Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC, 交通部) calculated the revised rates using a formula approved by the Legislative Yuan (立法院), aiming for a reasonable return rate of 0.36%. The Executive Yuan (行政院) is expected to approve the changes by the end of February.
The fare hike addresses the challenge of covering operational costs amid rising prices. The adjusted average rate for commuter trains is NT$1.82 per kilometer, up from NT$1.46. For instance, a Taipei to Banqiao (板橋) commuter train ticket will increase from NT$15 to NT$22, while the Tze-Chiang Limited Express (自強號) will rise from NT$23 to NT$34.
Passengers using the TPASS commuter monthly pass will remain unaffected by these changes. Notably, the Taipei to Taichung commuter train fare will increase from NT$241 to NT$323, and the Tze-Chiang Limited Express will jump from NT$375 to NT$501.
Long-distance travelers will benefit from a distance-based discount. The Taipei to Xinzuoying Station (新左營) Tze-Chiang Limited Express fare will increase from NT$824 to NT$975, and the Taipei to Taitung fare will rise from NT$783 to NT$935.
