TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese rail passengers facing the first train fare increase in three decades will have multiple options to soften the financial impact, according to government officials. Taiwan's Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) outlined several mitigation strategies during a Wednesday (April 9) press conference, emphasizing that commuters can significantly reduce costs by utilizing the TPASS transit card system. The minister specifically highlighted special flexible pricing arrangements for residents of the eastern counties of Hualien and Taitung, while also recommending enrollment in the Taiwan Railway Corporation's (TRC, 台鐵) frequent traveler program as an additional way to access discounts.
The fare adjustment will take effect on June 23, bringing an average increase of 26.8% across the railway network. Transportation officials emphasized that even with the new pricing structure, TRC services will maintain their competitive advantage in the transportation market. Short-distance routes will continue to offer better value than alternative transit options like metro systems and city buses, with the popular Taipei to Banqiao route increasing from NT$15 (US$0.45) to NT$22 (US$0.67). For longer journeys, the premier Tze-Chiang Limited Express (自強號) service from Taipei to Zuoying will rise from NT$824 (US$25) to NT$975 (US$29.55), while the Taipei to Kaohsiung route will increase from NT$843 (US$25.55) to NT$994 (US$30.12). Officials pointed out that both fares will remain below the psychologically significant NT$1,000 threshold and still cost less than competing Taiwan High Speed Rail services or highway buses.
Minister Chen stressed the historical context of the price adjustment, noting that this represents the first fare restructuring in three decades, and highlighted the ministry's efforts to design a system that minimizes financial burden on regular passengers. The special flexible pricing mechanism for residents of Hualien and Taitung — two counties heavily dependent on rail service due to limited transportation alternatives — will provide meaningful relief for these communities. Frequent travelers throughout the network can further offset increased costs by enrolling in the TRC loyalty program to access various discount tiers. In a separate announcement during the same briefing, TRC president Feng Hui-sheng (馮輝昇) unveiled upcoming service enhancements for the premium Formosa Express (鳴日號) tourist train, which will add stops at Tainan and Baoan stations during a special three-day period from June 27 to 29. Feng also outlined plans to incorporate major cultural and natural attractions in Alishan and Tainan into future western route itineraries.
