The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) will start selling a “TR-Pass” next month to encourage backpacking around the nation.
The agency began offering railway passes for international students last year in conjunction with the National Youth Commission’s efforts to attract student travelers.
The TR-Pass is aimed at young Taiwanese as well as foreigners.
Taiwanese students can choose between a five-day or seven-day TR-Pass, which cost NT$599 and NT$799 respectively, while foreign students have a choice of five-day, seven-day and 10-day passes. The 10-day TR-Pass will cost NT$1,089.
TR-Pass holders will have unlimited access to several TRA train services, including the Chukuang Express, Fuxing Express and commuter trains. However, they will not be able to use the pass on Tzuchiang Express trains, the most expensive service.
TR-Pass holders will also not be able to make advance reservations for seats on Chukuang Express or Fuxing Express trains.
Local students can purchase a TR-Pass by showing their student IDs no earlier than three days before the start of their trip, the agency said.
International students will have to show their passports and an international student ID or international youth travel card issued by the NYC, but will be able to buy their passes seven days before their departure date, the agency said.
The TR-Pass will be available between July 1 and Sept. 15 at 27 first-tier train stations nationwide.
In related news, the Taiwan Youth Hostel Association (YHA) and the Lienchiang County Government have joined forces to offer special travel deals for backpackers.
A four-day trip by boat to Matsu will cost NT$2,999, while a three-day trip by plane will cost NT$3,999, transportation included.
The special offers are available to the first 454 travelers to sign up.
For more information, visit the Web sites of Lienchiang County Government or the YHA at www.ilovematsu.com or at www.yh.org.tw or call the YHA at (02) 2331-2655.
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday thanked Palau for its continued support of Taiwan's international participation, as Taipei was once again excluded from the World Health Assembly (WHA) currently taking place in Switzerland. "Palau has never stopped voicing support for Taiwan" in the UN General Assembly, the WHO and other UN-affiliated agencies, Lai said during a bilateral meeting with visiting Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. "We have been profoundly touched by these endorsements," Lai said, praising the Pacific island nation's firm support as "courageous." Lai's remarks came as Taiwan was excluded for the ninth consecutive year from the WHA, which is being held in
RESOLUTIONS DEBATE: Taiwan’s allies said that UN and WHA resolutions cited by China and other nations ‘do not determine Taiwan’s participation in WHO activities’ A proposal to invite Taiwan to this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) was rejected on Monday, resulting in Taipei’s absence from the annual meeting for a ninth consecutive year, although partners spoke up for Taiwan’s participation at the first day of the meeting. The first agenda item after the opening was a “two-on-two debate” on a proposal to invite Taiwan to participate at the WHA as an observer. Similar to previous years, two countries made statements in favor of the proposal, while two others expressed their opposition. Philippine Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa, president of the 78th WHA, accepted the WHA General Committee’s
At least three people died and more than a dozen were injured yesterday afternoon when a vehicle struck a group of pedestrians in New Taipei City’s Sansia District (三峽). The incident happened at about 4pm when a car rammed into pedestrians at an intersection near Bei Da Elementary School. Witnesses said the sedan, being driven at a high speed, ran a red light, knocking scooters out of the way and hitting students crossing the road before careening into a median near the intersection of Guocheng and Guoguang streets. The incident resulted in three deaths and 13 injuries, including the driver, a 78-year-old man
RSS