TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Tourism Administration (觀光署), the government agency overseeing travel and tourism affairs, announced Friday (June 13) that prices for the popular Taiwan PASS travel card will increase significantly later this month. The price adjustments, which range from 5.6% to a substantial 31.5%, will take effect on June 23 to align with broader fare changes being implemented by Taiwan Railway (台鐵), the island's conventional rail network. Tourism officials are strongly encouraging travelers to purchase Taiwan PASS products before the price hike to lock in current rates, as purchased passes remain valid for travel within the following 12 months.
The Taiwan PASS serves as an integrated transportation card that bundles access to multiple transit systems including the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR, 台鐵), the bullet train network connecting major cities, along with conventional Taiwan Railway services, local buses, metropolitan rapid transit systems, and admission to popular tourist attractions. According to the announcement, the Taiwan Railway Classic Version (台鐵經典版全票) will increase from NT$2,700 (US$91.51) to NT$3,200 (US$108.46), representing an 18.5% price jump. The children's fare will see a more modest 5.6% increase, rising from NT$1,800 (US$61.01) to NT$1,900 (US$64.40), while the Taiwan Railway Attractions Version (台鐵景點版) will climb 25% from NT$2,400 (US$81.34) to NT$3,000 (US$101.68).
Travelers using the popular EasyGo Version (亮點EasyGo版) will face the steepest price adjustment, with costs rising 31.5% from the current NT$1,900 (US$64.40) to NT$2,500 (US$84.73) after the change. The Tourism Administration also announced the introduction of a new children's EasyGo ticket priced at NT$1,500 (approximately US$50.84) that will debut alongside the price increases on June 23. Officials emphasized that visitors participating in the ongoing Solar Festival in TAIWAN (台灣仲夏節), a nationwide summer tourism promotion running through October 31, can still access special discounted rates on complementary transportation services including the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (台灣好行) and Taiwan Tour Bus (台灣觀巴), which connect major attractions throughout the island.
Tourism officials strongly recommend that both domestic and international travelers consider purchasing Taiwan PASS products before the June 23 implementation date to secure current pricing for future travel. Passes purchased prior to the increase will remain valid for a full year from the date of purchase, potentially generating significant savings for visitors planning multiple trips throughout Taiwan. The Tourism Administration emphasized that these pre-purchased passes can be strategically combined with special discounts available during the Solar Festival period, allowing travelers to maximize value while exploring Taiwan's diverse attractions and transportation networks. "Planning ahead will help visitors manage their travel budgets more effectively during this transition period," a Tourism Administration spokesperson noted in the announcement. ◼