Taipei Rapid Transit Corp (TRTC) has more than doubled the number of MRT stations open to bicycle access in a bid to build a friendlier environment for cyclists.
Starting today, the number of MRT stations allowing people to carry their bikes on board will expand from 33 to 67, said Leo Ling (凌啟堯), director of the firm’s public relations division
Under the new policy, only stations with heavy passenger traffic on high-capacity lines will be closed to bicycles, including Tamsui Station, Shipai Station, Jiantan Station, Taipei Main Station, National Taiwan University Hospital Station, Guting Station, Zhongxiao-Fuxing Station, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station and Fu Jen University Station. All stations on the medium-capacity Wenshan-Neihu Line will also be closed to bicycles.
About 90 percent of MRT stations — or 67 out of the total of 77 stations on the high-capacity lines — are now open to bicycles on weekends, Ling said, adding that the company would continue to open more stations to encourage the use of public transportation.
As a reminder, the company said only one bicycle per individual is allowed. The fare is NT$80 per person for a single trip to any destination. Tickets can be purchased at the MRT stations’ information booths. The bicycle’s dimensions should not exceed 180x120x70cm.
Bicycles can only be brought aboard either the first or the last train compartments. No more than two bikes can be placed next to a given entry point on these train compartments, and bicycles cannot be parked on the space designated for disabled passengers.
Ling said folding bikes that can be stashed away are treated as carry-on luggage, meaning there is no access restriction for folding bikes and passengers can carry them on board any MRT train.
Information on the latest bicycle carry-on policies is available at the 24-hour customer service hotline at (02) 218-12345 or the 1999 Citizen Hotline.
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