TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Minister of Transportation and Communications emphasized on Wednesday (March 12) that the Taiwan High Speed Rail's (THSR, 高鐵) current operation remains satisfactory, making fare adjustments a non-issue unless costs become unmanageable, the Central News Agency (CNA, 中央社) reported.
In an interview with the CNA, Minister Chen Shi-kai (陳世凱) addressed concerns regarding potential THSR fare hikes, following a recent proposal to adjust Taiwan Railways Corporation (台鐵) ticket prices after 30 years. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) approved the Taiwan Railways fare increase in February, pending Executive Yuan (行政院) approval.
Many passengers worry that THSR might follow suit. However, Chen told CNA that the high-speed rail board has not raised any fare-related proposals, and it remains an unofficial topic. Chen highlighted the importance of sustainable public transportation, adding that reasonable pricing would ensure public acceptance.
Some argue that THSR's profitability negates the need for fare hikes, while others note increased costs due to new train acquisitions. Chen acknowledged that if future costs affect operations or services, fare discussions would be necessary. He maintained an open stance, comparing fare adjustments to the cost of braised pork rice, stressing that fare changes should reflect costs and remain reasonable.