The Ministry of Transportation and Communications today announced three new measures effective from Jan. 1, regarding motorcycle noise pollution, tourism and foreign student internships.
Starting next year, motorcycle owners who replace or modify their exhaust pipes need to use Ministry of Environment-certified parts, then have the modification inspected, certified and registered at their local vehicle office.
This rule was first passed as an amendment to the Road Traffic Security Rules (道路交通安全規則) on Jan. 1 this year, with a one-year buffer period that ends at the end of this year.
Photo: Taipei Times
Starting on New Year’s Day, an exhaust inspection will be included as part of the regular inspection process with a fine of NT$900 to NT$1,800 for non-compliance.
To encourage sightseeing by public transportation, the Tourism Administration is introducing discounts for tour buses and shuttle programs from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31.
For the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, rides on Hualien routes will be free for passengers using e-tickets, and half-fare discounts on other routes.
For the tour bus, there is a 10-percent discount on package tours in Hualien, while tourists in other regions will enjoy a “buy two, get one free” program.
The Taiwan tour bus program will also work with the Tourism Administration to promote the top 100 Taiwan tourism highlights and collaborate with local governments to offer 30-percent discounts on tour packages.
The first season, Jan. to March, will include Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Changhua, Kaohsiung and Pingtung; the second season will include Miaoli, Taichung, Nantou, Penghu and Matsu, while the third season includes Keelung, Yilan, Hsinchu, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Taitung and Kinmen.
For the hospitality industry, the ministry announced that foreign students interning in Taiwan will be allowed to extend their working period to half of the duration of their academic program.
Previously, foreign student internships were limited to six months with a potential six-month extension.
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