TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Railway (台鐵公司), the island nation's primary rail service provider, announced Thursday (Jun 5) its first fare increase in three decades, set to take effect June 23. The price of a Tze-Chiang Limited Express (自強號), Taiwan's premium train service, will jump significantly for the popular Taipei to Hualien route, rising from NT$440 (approximately US$14.69) to NT$583 (approximately US$19.46). Railway officials indicated the long-overdue adjustment is necessary to offset escalating operational expenses and finance improvements to passenger amenities and service reliability.
To mitigate the impact on residents of Taiwan's eastern counties, Taiwan Railway has introduced enhanced loyalty program incentives specifically for those living in Hualien and Taitung, two predominantly rural regions connected to the capital primarily by rail. Local residents who join the membership program will earn quintuple points for weekday travel and triple points during holidays, subject to specific eligibility requirements. The transportation company has established specialized service counters at both Hualien and Taitung stations, staffed with representatives who guide passengers through the membership registration process, requiring only government-issued identification for enrollment.
For tech-savvy passengers, Taiwan Railway offers digital registration options through its e-booking app (台鐵e訂通) or official website, where travelers can complete membership enrollment, establish personal account settings, and reserve seats by entering standard personal details. According to railway officials, members may utilize accumulated points toward ticket purchases either by presenting identification at physical ticket windows or by selecting the points redemption feature during online transactions, with fare reductions computed instantaneously by the booking system. With the impending price adjustments, Taiwan Railway representatives are actively promoting the advantages of membership enrollment as a strategic approach for regular passengers to offset higher costs through the loyalty program. ◼