Transportation

Taipei Area Waives Public Transportation Fares for World Car-Free Day

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By Alex Chen/Irene Lin

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To mark World Car-Free Day on September 22, the city governments of Taipei and New Taipei waived fares across all 719 city bus routes and local light rail networks. The initiative saw immediate results, driving a 10% increase in bus ridership compared to the previous week. While transportation authorities opted for fare waivers over promotional coupons as in the past, environmental advocacy groups like the Green Citizens' Action Alliance said long-term carbon reduction requires a holistic approach connecting pedestrian walkways and bike lanes to public transit networks.

Cars and scooters normally pack the streets during morning rush hour... But for just one day, some local governments are trying to change that.

On September 22nd, all buses in Taipei and New Taipei are free to ride... Celebrating world car-free day.

HUANG HUANG-CHIA, TAIPEI CITY TRANSPORTATION DEPT.:
"Today, all of our 719 bus routes in the metro area are completely free. So far, passenger numbers are up about 10% compared to last week."

The annual program is designed to encourage people to leave their car at home and take public transportation instead... in the past, transportation authorities offered coupons or free giveaways. This year, they're waiving fares entirely. But there are still some questions over how effective the program will be.

Today, as part of a push to reduce cars on Taiwan’s streets, buses and some light rails are free to ride. Still, doubts remain over how effective this will actually be.

Some commuters appreciate the benefit... but say buses can't replace cars... while others say their main incentive to take public transportation is the difficulty of finding a parking space.

"Whether it will encourage drivers [to take the bus] I think those who ride the bus will still do so but those who don’t still won’t. Perhaps it's because of the bus routes. It’s a matter of personal convenience."

"I think it will [encourage people to take the bus]. When people take their car out they may not be able to find parking. You have to find a parking spot. But if they take the bus there they don’t have to worry about their car."

One environmental group says the push to cut carbon emissions could've been more comprehensive.

LI YOU-REN, GREEN CITIZENS' ACTION ALLIANCE:
"In recent years, the global trend of going car-free doesn‘t just encourage people to take public transit but focuses more on connecting walking and cycling with public transportation in a comprehensive way."

Besides buses, light rail networks in New Taipei and shared electric scooters across the country are also offering free and discounted rides.

As officials and public transportation operators work together to reduce emissions with free rides... They hope the one-day initiative will foster a long-term shift toward greener commuting habits.