Several government measures and special offers from different divisions are to be launched on Wednesday.
The Department of Health (DOH) will begin administering free shots of Pneumococcus vaccine for children under age five. Approximately 6,500 children are expected to benefit from the new measure.
The DOH will also start implementing its new labeling system for vegetarian food. It has divided vegetarian food into five categories, including food containing eggs, milk, or both milk and eggs, as well as those containing green onions, garlic, green leeks, red leeks and white onions, and those containing none of the ingredients above.
Food manufacturers must follow the categories and label their products appropriately.
Meanwhile, to reward those who save electricity, Taiwan Power Co (Taipower, 台電) will give a 20 percent discount to those who use 10 percent less electricity compared with the same time period last year. Those who cut consumption by 10 percent for two consecutive years will receive a discount of 30 percent.
Also starting on Wednesday, Republic of China passports holders can travel to Ireland visa-free, however those going to work or study must still apply for visas.
The National Youth Commission will also begin taking applications for internships at overseas non-profit organizations starting on Wednesday. Successful applicants will receive flight subsidies and NT$18,000 in spending money every month.
Both the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) and the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp will start offering special deals for summer travelers.
The TRA will start selling a “TR-Pass” next month to encourage backpacking around the country. Taiwanese students can choose either a five-day or seven-day TR-Pass, which cost NT$599 and NT$799 respectively, while foreign students can also purchase 10-day passes for 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.
Groups traveling on the Taiwan High Speed Rail may be eligible for free tickets. The company is offering a buy-four, get-one-free deal on tickets.
AirAsia, which offers low-priced flights, meanwhile, will launch its service at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport starting on Wednesday
Department of Health
► gives free shots of Pneumococcus vaccine to children under age five
► anew labeling system for vegetarian food
National Youth Commission
► accepting applications for subsidized internships at overseas non-profit organizations
Taiwan Power Co
► 20-percent discounts on electricity bills for those who use 10 percent less electricity compared with the same period last year
Directorate General of Highways:
► motorists can pay traffic fines in installments over 18 months.
The minimum monthly charge is dropped from NT$1,000 to NT$500
Taiwan Railway Administration
► selling the “TR-Pass” for backpackers
Taiwan High Speed Railway
► Offering a buy-four, get-one-free deal on tickets
Other
► Republic of China passport holders traveling to Ireland as visitors will be able to enter the country without a visa
-PREPARED BY STAFF REPORTER SHELLEY SHAN
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