Taiwan railway ticket prices may increase for the first time in 30 years, as the Taiwan Railway Corp (TRC) is proposing an average fare increase of 26.8 percent to its board of directors this afternoon.
According to the Legislative Yuan, a reasonable rate of return for TRC ticket revenue is 3 to 5 percent.
However, critics have raised concern that this rate would cause ticket prices to rise too much, significantly impacting the public.
Photo: Peng Chien-li, Taipei Times
The TRC plans to set the return rate at no lower than 0.36 percent, with the average fare to be increased by 26.8 percent.
The company said it plans to adjust fares proportionally based on distance traveled, with short-distance fares increasing more and long-distance fares increasing less.
For example, the fare for the Tze-Chiang Limited Express between Taipei and Kaohsiung would increase from NT$824 to NT$975.
Meanwhile, the fare for the Tze-Chiang express from Taichung to Taipei would increase from NT$375 to NT$501.
A local train from Taipei to Banciao District (板橋) would cost NT$22, while the Tze-Chiang express for the same journey would cost NT$34.
A local train from Taipei to Hualien would increase from NT$283 to NT$375, and the Tze-Chiang express for the same journey would increase from NT$440 to NT$583.
An announcement would be made if the fare adjustment plan is approved by the board of directors this afternoon, TRC chairman Du Wei (杜微) said.
The plan would be designed with three key considerations: affordability for short-distance passengers, competitiveness for medium-distance routes and retention of long-distance passengers, Du said.
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