The number of passengers who took the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) during morning peak hours rose more than 10 percent yesterday, the first day the city provided free public transport in an effort to combat air pollution, data released by Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corp showed.
The data showed that the number of passengers taking the Kaohsiung Metro from 6:30am to 8:30am totaled 26,970 — up 3,072 or about 13 percent from the same period on Friday last week.
The free public transportation program was announced by Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) three days ago following a deterioration in air pollution in the largest city in southern Taiwan.
Under the free public transport program, holders of electronic cards, including the iPass, can also take city buses, highway buses and light rail trains free of charge from 6:30am to 8:30am and from 4:30pm to 6:30pm during weekdays.
On the city’s light rail system, only passengers with iPass and Happy Cash cards can ride for free.
The program, initiated by Kaohsiung’s Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) at a time of worsening air pollution in central and southern Taiwan, will run until Feb. 28.
Air pollution in Kaohsiung is particularly severe from December to February, Chen said, as she encouraged people to use public transport for the commute between home and work.
Bureau Director Tsai Meng-yu (蔡孟裕) said that this is the first program of its kind in Taiwan, and it is expected to cost about NT$200 million (US$6.66 million).
Tsai estimates that the three-month program would increase ridership by 1.76 million on city buses, 70,000 on highway buses and 1.6 million on the MRT, which is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 16,000 tonnes.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
SIX SUBSIDIES: The monthly allowance for older farmers is to increase to NT$10,000, and NT$5,000 is to be given to homemakers under the national pension system, Lai said The government is to implement major welfare policies for disadvantaged groups, including raising the monthly allowance for older farmers to NT$10,000 and providing homemakers with NT$5,000 per month, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks during a visit to Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, saying that the planned increases were being introduced amid economic growth and an increase in tax revenue. Touting a policy, in which the government plans to provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for every child under the age of 18 in a bid to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, Lai said that if received for the
RSS