TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's state-run railway operator, Taiwan Railway (台鐵), implemented its most significant fare increase in decades on Monday (June 23), raising ticket prices across its network by an average of 26.8%. The adjustment impacts major intercity routes connecting the capital with popular destinations across the island. Travelers from Taipei to the eastern coastal city of Hualien now face fares that jumped from NT$440 (US$14.84) to NT$583 (US$19.67), while tickets from Taipei to Taitung in the southeast increased from NT$783 (US$26.41) to NT$936 (US$31.57). The heavily traveled Taipei to Kaohsiung route, connecting Taiwan's two largest cities, saw prices rise from NT$843 (US$28.44) to NT$994 (US$33.53).
The fare adjustments extend to shorter commuter routes frequently used by daily travelers and suburban residents. The ticket price for the popular northern commuter route between Taipei and the port city of Keelung surged from NT$41 (US$1.38) to NT$62 (US$2.09), while fares from Taipei to the technology hub of Hsinchu increased from NT$114 (US$3.85) to NT$163 (US$5.50). Taiwan Railway officials explained that alongside price changes, they have reduced the electronic ticket mileage range from 70 kilometers to 50 kilometers, a measure designed to alleviate persistent overcrowding in the system's premium Push-pull train (PP) Tze-Chiang Limited Express (自強號) carriages, which offer faster service and better amenities.
Under the revised electronic ticketing system, the new 50-kilometer range encompasses several key commuter corridors in northern Taiwan. These include the stretch from Keelung to Songshan (松山) station in eastern Taipei and from Wanhua (萬華) in western Taipei to Yangmei (楊梅) along the western rail corridor. The eastern line will see changes between Badu (八堵) and Nuannuan (暖暖) stations. Railway officials also announced plans to implement their annual schedule adjustment on Thursday, a modification that will impact 386 train services throughout the network, with 188 of those services experiencing timing changes of more than five minutes.
To help passengers navigate these substantial changes, Taiwan Railway announced the distribution of 80,000 printed timetables at major stations across the island, with availability beginning Wednesday at 8 a.m. While these comprehensive schedules will be provided free of charge to travelers, railway officials emphasized that quantities are limited and likely to be depleted quickly at busier stations. Transportation authorities strongly advise regular commuters and travelers to plan ahead and secure a timetable early or consult the railway's digital platforms to avoid potential confusion and travel disruptions as the new pricing and scheduling system takes effect. ◼