TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In celebration of International Pet Day, Taipei Metro (台北捷運), the capital city's rapid transit system, announced on Tuesday (April 1) the launch of four specially designated "Dog-Friendly Trains" scheduled to begin service on April 12 at 1 p.m. The inaugural trains will depart simultaneously from opposite ends of the Red Line — from the urban Xiangshan (象山) station in the heart of Taipei and the coastal Tamsui (淡水) station at the northern terminus of the line, marking a significant shift in the city's public transportation pet policies.
According to Taipei Metro officials, these specially designated trains will operate a total of 16 round trips throughout the day, making stops at all stations along the popular Red Line route that spans from Taipei's eastern districts to the northern coast. Transit authorities have established clear guidelines for pet access, requiring dog owners to secure their canine companions in appropriate pet carriers or specialized pet strollers when entering station areas, with strict enforcement that no animal body parts protrude from containment devices. The pet-friendly policy relaxes once passengers board the designated trains, allowing dogs to remain outside their carriers provided they are properly secured with both a harness and leash for safety. These special service trains, easily identifiable by distinctive dog-themed decals on their exteriors, will run at 45-minute intervals throughout the afternoon, with final departures scheduled from Xiangshan station at 5:14 p.m. and from Tamsui station at 5:05 p.m.
The fare structure for the dog-friendly trains will adhere to Taipei Metro's existing "Taking Pet Strollers on the Metro" (寵物車搭捷運) policy that has been in place for smaller contained pets. Human passengers — both pet owners and any accompanying friends—will pay the standard transit fare according to distance traveled. Small and medium-sized pet carriers will continue to require no additional ticket purchase. However, passengers with large pet carriers will need to purchase an NT$80 (approximately US$2.41) single-trip ticket, which remains valid for one pet per passenger. To minimize disruption to other commuters, passengers with pets must board exclusively through the first or last carriages of the designated trains, areas that provide more space for pets and their owners.
Taipei Metro officials emphasized that these dog-friendly trains represent additional services operating alongside the regular transit schedule, ensuring no disruption to normal commuter patterns while expanding transportation options for pet owners. The specially marked trains remain open to all passengers, including those without pets who should be aware they may encounter canine companions during their journey. For passengers wishing to bring cats aboard these special trains, the guidelines remain more restrictive, mandating that feline pets must remain securely contained within carriers throughout the entire journey while adhering to all general pet travel regulations.
