TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei City Department of Transportation announced on Monday (Feb. 26) that Mayor Chiang Wan-an will officially declare the reimplementation of the first 30 minutes of YouBike use free of charge the next day.
Chiang also is set to unveil a plan to expand the scale of YouBike operations, alongside the free 30-minute ride policy that will start on Feb. 28.
These initiatives aim to transform Taipei into a city that epitomizes safety, and physical activity, and a city of the future, all to reach ambitious environmental goals set for 2030, including a 40% reduction in carbon emissions and a 70% green transportation usage rate.
Reinstating the free 30-minute YouBike policy was a key part of Chiang's platform during his campaign for mayor. Originally, Chiang intended to implement the initiative before the Lunar New Year. However, it was delayed due to issues relating to budget approval.