TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Transportation Minister Wang Kwo-tsai praised the TPASS transportation monthly ticket policy on Wednesday (April 24) as one of the few policies that has received commendation.
Wang announced a special budget allocation of NT$20 billion from 2023 to 2025 for the policy, with the central government leading and local governments participating.
Wang noted that the TPASS policy has been lauded, and Premier Chen Chien-jen has decided to continue implementing it. Starting in 2026, a budget will be allocated to enhance public transportation efficiency.
According to the Highway Bureau, under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the TPASS ticket requires at least NT$9 billion in public service budget annually.
In 2023, due to its launch in July and the limited number of participating counties and cities, a total of NT$2 billion was allocated. For 2024 and 2025, NT$9 billion each year has been budgeted.
Premier Chen also stated that all counties and cities on Taiwan's main island have joined the TPASS program. The offshore Penghu Islands are expected to start in June, and Kinmen and Matsu are hoped to join in the future.