All operators engaged in roadside assistance and towing services are required to comply with relevant regulations, including the Consumer Protection Act and the Taipei City Consumer Protection Ordinance.

The guidelines focus on three core principles:

1. Full transparency of consumer information
2. Establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering the stages before, during, and after towing services
3. Clear specification of potential criminal liabilities for illegal conduct

Operators are explicitly required to disclose pricing standards at their business premises or on their websites. They must inform consumers in advance of service items, provide quotations, and estimate total costs. Any additional services required on-site must receive prior consent, and charges not previously disclosed may not be collected.

In addition, operators must retain audio recordings or communication records for at least six months to safeguard the rights of both consumers and service providers. Operators are prohibited from arbitrarily increasing prices, making false charges, or collecting undisclosed fees, and such actions may not be used as justification for detaining vehicles. They are also prohibited from engaging in threatening, intimidating, abusive, deceptive, or destructive behavior that infringes upon the rights of vehicle owners, drivers, or their representatives.

The Taipei City Government reminds the public that in the event of roadside assistance or towing needs, they should remain calm and avoid panic. It is recommended to first contact towing service providers affiliated with insurance companies or credit card companies. Before accepting any towing service, consumers should clearly confirm all relevant pricing details with the service provider.

If consumers encounter unreasonable charges beyond prior agreements or situations such as vehicle detention, they are advised to report the matter to the police.

The Taipei City Government also urges operators to comply with the aforementioned guidelines and relevant consumer protection regulations. Operators who fail to make improvements within the specified period after being notified may be subject to fines ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$100,000, with penalties imposed per violation.

If operators unlawfully detain vehicles or demand excessive towing fees, and such actions involve suspected criminal offenses such as fraud, coercion, or extortion, the police will immediately initiate investigations and refer cases to the relevant competent authorities in accordance with the law. Operators are strongly advised not to violate the law.

In his speech, Mayor Chiang said the city government highly recognizes Dan Nan Bus Company’s active efforts in recruiting personnel to maintain stable public transportation services in the period where many businesses are facing labor shortage. These efforts help provide citizens with a safe and reliable commuting environment. He also noted the company’s initiatives to improve operations and working conditions, including the establishment of an operations control center to monitor bus operations in real time and the upgrading of rest facilities for drivers.

In terms of promoting green transportation, the bus company will add 21 new electric buses in 2025, and the proportion of electric buses is expected to increase to about 40% by 2026. Last year, a fire drill was also conducted at the Taipei Metro Beitou Depot’s electric bus shared charging station, demonstrating practical support for the electric bus policy and highlighting a strong commitment to fire safety.

Mayor Chiang also used the time during this visit as an opportunity to express his sincere respect and gratitude to all bus drivers for their dedication. He especially thanked those who sacrifice their holiday time and remain at their posts during the Lunar New Year to keep the city running smoothly. He praised these frontline heroes for providing safe and high-quality bus services throughout the year. Looking ahead, the city government will continue working with bus operators to further improve working conditions, while wishing all drivers safe journeys, success at work, and health and happiness for their families in the coming year.

In 2025 (Year 114), five underground parking facilities were completed and opened. These locations are at Neihu Junior High School, Zhenhua Park, Technology Building, Fuxing Park, and LOHAS Park. A total of 1,269 car parking spaces, 481 scooter spaces, 20 motorcycle spaces, and 236 bicycle spaces were added.

The Parking Office will continue to develop high-quality off-street underground and multi-level parking facilities and encourage the public to make greater use of them to reduce roadside parking. Additional parking facilities will be planned in the future for public use, and parking rates on nearby road sections will be adjusted based on local traffic conditions.

The city’s “Shared Commercial Temporary Parking Zones” feature newly designed signage. The upper section of each sign displays icons indicating the permitted vehicle types. Beginning in Year 115 (2026), the city will officially regulate the permitted vehicle categories and parking time limit to 20 minutes for trucks (excluding passenger-cargo dual-purpose vehicles), rehabilitation buses, long-term care vehicles (such as accessible welfare vehicles and mobile bathing vehicles), and taxis. Each space can be identified easily by public-service drivers and the residents with clear marks such as the words “Shared Commercial Temporary Parking Zone” and yellow curb marking lines. These zones are available 24 hours a day for temporary passenger drop-off/pick-up and loading/unloading.

Taipei City Parking Management Office has also added location details of these zones to the Taipei “Good Parking” website to help users become more familiar with the system. Drivers of rehabilitation buses, long-term care vehicles (including accessible welfare vehicles and mobile bathing vehicles), taxis, and trucks are encouraged to utilize these spaces.

The Taipei City Parking Management Office also reminds the public that, aside from the vehicle types listed above, passenger-cargo dual-purpose vehicles and other vehicle types are not permitted to park in these zones. Unauthorized vehicles should not occupy these spaces. Those needing temporary parking are advised to use off-street parking lots or designated yellow curb areas where temporary stopping is permitted. In addition, taxi drivers should be advised that these shared temporary parking zones may not be used by taxis for queuing or dispatch purposes. 

Three subsidy programs are available:

1. License + Road Training: Participants who complete both on-site and road training (before or after the license exam) can receive NT$2,500–3,800 from the Ministry of Transportation plus an additional NT$2,700 from the city, totaling up to NT$6,500. Local driving schools including Databei, United, Huafeng, and Binjiang support the program.
2. On-Site Training Only: Residents who only attend on-site training can apply for an extra NT$1,300 subsidy, ideal for beginners who want to develop basic riding skills.
3. Advanced Road Training for Licensed Riders: Riders with a license can join road training courses to improve riding skills and road awareness, receiving NT$1,200 from the city. Special courses are available for older adults to enhance safety.

TPDOT also offers “Safe Driving Training for Seniors” for residents 65 and older with a car license. Courses cover on-site practice, traffic regulations, and road driving. Participants can attend for free, and some schools offer an extra NT$1,000 subsidy.

Residents interested in licensing or advanced training are encouraged to register early. Full details are available on the Taipei City DOT website: https://www.dot.gov.taipei/Content_List.aspx?n=3C554F5F7D7C0995

Five mobile payment services will support bus payments: Easy Wallet, iPASS MONEY, icash Pay, JKOPAY, and PX Pay Plus. Travelers can move across major transport hubs in Taipei and New Taipei using only a smartphone. The Public Transportation Office reminds passengers that once the reader shows a successful scan, payment is complete, so there is no need to wait for confirmation on the phone screen in order to keep boarding lines moving smoothly.

Passengers using Easy Wallet, iPASS MONEY, or icash Pay for bus and metro rides can still enjoy existing transfer discounts between metro and bus services, including Taipei trunk bus transfer discounts. Both legs of a transfer must use the same payment method to receive the discount. Similar to TPASS 2.0, transfer discounts will be returned monthly to users’ electronic payment wallets beginning in March 2026. Details are available on the Public Transportation Office website under the Transportation QR Code section.

New rules for Taipei Senior Cards and Disability EasyCards will also take effect on January 3, 2026. A new system will allow remaining free ride points to be fully used when boarding buses in Taipei and New Taipei. For example, if a passenger using a disability card has 7 free points left but the fare is 8 points, the system deducts 7 points and charges the remaining 1 dollar from stored value. This adjustment helps passengers make full use of their benefits.

Director Xiao Hui noted in his opening remarks that Shanghai continues promoting high-quality public transport through digital, smart, and green transformation, making travel more convenient and user-friendly. He also recognized Taipei’s experience in public transport priority and smart mobility innovation as valuable references for collaboration, and expressed hopes for continued cooperation between the two cities.

Commissioner Hsieh Ming-Hung emphasized that rail transit serves not only as transportation infrastructure but also as a catalyst for urban economic growth. He highlighted transit-oriented development, smart stations, integrated ticketing, and innovative business models as ways rail systems generate new service value and revenue through cross-sector cooperation and digital transformation. Taipei will also host the ITS World Congress in 2029 and continue promoting smart transportation, industry development, ICT innovation, and tourism integration.

In the first session, Shanghai Deputy Director Liu Bin spoke on sustainable green transport and high-quality public transport development. He explained that Shanghai promotes new energy buses and taxis while integrating traffic management through its “urban transportation brain,” advancing autonomous driving and mobility services to create a seamless, people-centered public transport network.

Taipei Deputy Commissioner Yeh Tzu-Chuan followed with a presentation on AI and sustainable transport in Taipei. AI combined with big data enables traffic flow forecasting and real-time transit dispatch, optimizing routes, reducing empty vehicle runs, and cutting carbon emissions while improving efficiency. These efforts align with Taipei’s goal of building a safe, people-oriented, green, and smart transport environment.

Mayor Chiang Wan-An also attended the forum and encouraged participants. He noted that both cities face similar challenges involving carbon neutrality, digital transformation, and rising expectations for transport quality, making cooperation essential. Urban transport, he stressed, supports daily mobility while strengthening city competitiveness and sustainable development.

The second session discussed innovative rail operations and development, featuring presentations from Shanghai Shentong Metro Group and Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation on smart metro management and commercial innovation around metro stations. The third session examined digital innovation applications supporting safer and more convenient mobility. Experts and industry leaders from both cities shared experiences in MaaS development, smart ticketing services, and advanced transport data applications. Professors from both cities concluded the discussions with a summary dialogue.

Through exchanges at the Taipei–Shanghai City Forum, both cities continue addressing shared transportation challenges while advancing toward safer, more comfortable, and more convenient urban mobility.

Usage surged after the free policy began. Daily rentals jumped from 126,000 to 199,000 trips, an increase of 58 percent. Data shows total rides exceeded 100 million within a year and a half, while cumulative riding distance surpassed 400 million kilometers in August 2025. More than 200,000 people now use YouBike daily, supporting travel within Taipei and regional commuting across Keelung, New Taipei, and Taoyuan. Surveys show overall public satisfaction with YouBike has reached 96 percent.

City investments over the past three years expanded system capacity to meet rising demand. Taipei now operates 1,710 rental stations with 24,744 bicycles, and average station spacing has been reduced to around 150 meters. Most users can access a bike within a three-minute walk. Plans aim to reach 2,000 stations and 27,500 bicycles by 2026, making public bikes more accessible while solving last-mile transportation needs.

Taipei also leads Taiwan in transportation technology and innovation. Electric-assist YouBike 2.0E bicycles launched together with New Taipei City in August 2024. National Taiwan University introduced Taiwan’s first electric micro-dispatch vehicle in 2025, improving campus bike redistribution efficiency and demonstrating Taipei’s innovation in traffic management.

The city also promotes ESG values through cooperation with private companies in Neihu Technology Park. Hung Ming Construction and Yako Company supported green transportation by donating bike stations and bicycles. Retired YouBike 1.0 bicycles were also donated to Saint Kitts and Nevis, giving old bikes new value through international cooperation.

Mayor Chiang noted that free rides, service expansion, technology innovation, safety improvements, and international cooperation have significantly upgraded Taipei’s public bicycle system. The city will continue improving riding environments while building a safer, more convenient, and sustainable transportation network for a net-zero future.

For seven consecutive years, the Gongguan Roundabout intersection recorded the highest number of traffic accidents in Taipei. National CBI rankings in 2024 also identified this location as having the most severe accidents in Taiwan. The city therefore redesigned the intersection by removing the roundabout and converting it into a standard four-way intersection. Lane arrangements and signal controls now separate traffic flows, making movements simpler and easier to understand. A smaller intersection footprint shortens pedestrian crossing distance and expands walking space. The project opened on September 29, 2025, and early data shows accident numbers dropped by about 44 percent compared with the same period last year.

Safety concerns also surrounded the aging Heping–Xinsheng pedestrian overpass due to insufficient earthquake resistance. Increased pedestrian crossings at street level reduced usage of the bridge, while bridge columns also blocked drivers’ views of pedestrians and cyclists. The city removed the overpass on November 24, 2024. Accident statistics over the following eleven months show right-turn injury accidents decreased from ten cases to two, an improvement of about 80 percent.

Taipei also introduced Taiwan’s first Pedestrian Priority Zone in Xinyi District in December 2024. Nine such zones have now been completed. Speed humps and signage limit vehicle speeds to 20 km/h, and honking at pedestrians is prohibited. Pavement markings, colored road surfaces, and improved entrances reinforce pedestrian priority. People can walk across the full width of streets, while vehicles must always yield. Lower speeds and reduced through traffic help create safer neighborhood spaces centered on pedestrians.

Building a people-friendly transportation system requires continuous effort rather than a single project. The city government will keep improving road safety and convenience while taking concrete steps toward a safer and more livable Taipei.

As of December 20, 2025, Taipei operates 1,015 electric buses, ranking first in Taiwan. Routes now serve every district. The city government has assisted bus operators in upgrading depots, introducing smart dispatch systems, and working with Taipower and Taipei Metro to address power supply needs. The Beitou Metro Depot now operates a shared charging facility for electric buses, creating an efficient example of shared urban resources in space-limited city areas.

Since launch in July 2023, TPASS Greater Taipei commuter passes have exceeded 15 million issuances, making it Taiwan’s most popular cross-city and multi-transport pass. The program has boosted public transport ridership after the pandemic while helping commuters manage transportation costs and supporting regional carbon reduction goals.

Taipei also introduced the “My Carbon Reduction Account” program in 2023, linking registered EasyCards with the EasyWallet app so users can accumulate carbon reduction credits through daily public transport use. Public participation quickly expanded, leading Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan to jointly promote the program starting in 2024. Participation has surpassed 400,000 users, achieving over 47,000 metric tons of carbon reduction, demonstrating how everyday actions can contribute to large-scale environmental impact.

Looking ahead to 2026, Taipei will upgrade its payment environment by introducing QR code transit payments on both metro and city buses, offering more convenient payment options. The program will also launch “My Carbon Reduction Account 2.0,” adding walking distance tracking and tiered monthly rewards so citizens can clearly track their carbon reduction progress. Electric bus expansion will continue, and commuter passes will remain available as Taipei works with residents to build a strong green transportation system.

Public and Private Cooperation Speeds Up Installation

Early construction received joint funding support from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the city government. Beginning in 2024, Taipei also provided private parking operators with installation subsidies of NT$10,800 per charging station, reducing upfront investment costs and encouraging participation.

As the market matured, the city shifted public parking projects from government-led construction to public-private partnership models, allowing professional operators to improve installation and operational efficiency while reducing government financial burden.

The Parking Management Office also organized workshops in 2024 to explain subsidy programs and technical requirements to private operators and public institutions, accelerating installation progress across the city.

Charging Information Integrated into Public Services

In addition to hardware construction, Taipei has strengthened information services to support EV users. Charging station data is now integrated into the city’s “Taipei Parking” app through a new charging map. Users can easily check station locations, availability, pricing, and charging power information in real time.

The city has also opened charging station data through public platforms, allowing developers and map service providers to create new applications and integrated mobility services.

Comprehensive Safety Measures Implemented

Safety management accompanies charging station expansion. Every charging point is equipped with fire extinguishers, while indoor parking facilities also include fire blankets. Charging stations are installed near fire hose access or emergency exits for quicker emergency response.

An Energy Management System monitors charging power usage to prevent overload during peak demand. Each station has an independent electricity meter to reduce fire risk. Emergency shut-off buttons allow immediate power disconnection, and reporting systems connect directly with operators to ensure quick incident response.

Subsidies Continue Toward 2030 Expansion Goal

Looking ahead, Taipei has set a goal of installing 3,175 charging stations in public parking facilities by 2030. Beginning in 2025, public parking projects will continue receiving NT$60,000 per station in subsidies, while private operators remain eligible for NT$10,800 per station. These measures aim to further expand EV charging infrastructure across the city.

Traffic Engineering Measures Reduce Congestion

A new intersection opened in October 2024 at Tiding Boulevard and Lane 358, Ruiguang Road. The project reduced vehicle queues exiting the freeway toward Neihu and improved traffic flow on surrounding surface roads. Travel time on Tiding Boulevard northbound decreased by 24.93 percent, while northbound traffic on Jiuzong Road saw a 9.82 percent reduction. In July 2025, a new northbound freeway access ramp near Tiding Interchange also opened, allowing vehicles to connect directly to the freeway instead of detouring past the Yangguang Pumping Station. Peak-hour testing shows travel time savings of about five minutes during evening commutes.

Public Transport Services Expanded

City authorities have worked to improve convenience and encourage greater use of public transportation. Since 2023, service frequency on the Wenhu MRT Line has increased, trains have been upgraded, and several new bus services have launched, including express routes, the North Circular Trunk Line, Neihu–Nangang Software Park shuttle buses, and the East Circular Trunk Line. Twelve additional Neihu commuter bus services have also been introduced.

ESG Initiatives Encourage Green Commuting

The city began working with the Neihu Technology Park Development Association in 2023 to promote ESG commuting solutions. Companies are encouraged to support green commuting, flexible working hours, and remote work arrangements. This year, the city also launched a commuting transition program during construction of the MRT East Circular Line, helping businesses adjust commuting patterns. A pilot Green Commuting Day showed clear results, with traffic on Ruiguang Road dropping around 20 percent during morning peak hours and about 10 percent in the afternoon compared with last year. The program will continue expanding.

MRT Development Supports Long-Term Improvement

Traffic conditions in Neihu have already shown improvement, while future progress will continue through construction of the MRT East Circular Line and the Minxi Line. City authorities encourage residents to make greater use of MRT and bus services to further improve transportation conditions in Neihu.

The ITS World Congress is the world’s largest event focused on intelligent transportation systems, rotating annually among Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region. The event includes forums, exhibitions, technology demonstrations, and technical tours, focusing on advanced topics such as AI transportation applications, autonomous vehicles, C-V2X communications, and sustainable mobility. The congress serves as a key platform for international cooperation and industry innovation.

Taipei won the bid after three attempts. In 2024, the city partnered with the Intelligent Transportation Society of Taiwan and received strong support from Mayor Chiang Wan-An. City officials promoted Taipei’s proposal at the ITS Asia-Pacific Forum and visited ITS organizations in New Zealand, Thailand, and South Korea to gain support. In September, Deputy Mayor Lee Ssu-Chuan led a delegation to Dubai for the final presentation. Taipei’s comprehensive event plan and ICT integration capabilities helped defeat Brisbane, Australia, securing hosting rights for 2029.

The 2029 ITS World Congress is scheduled for September in Taipei under the theme “Harmonizing an AITS World.” Plans include more than 200 professional forums, 500 exhibitions and technical tours, and participation from over 1,000 companies and organizations. Attendance is expected to exceed 20,000 international participants.

Taipei City Government continues strengthening integration between artificial intelligence and intelligent transportation systems. Current initiatives include smart intersections, autonomous bus pilot programs, open data applications, and sustainable mobility policies. Beitou-Shilin Technology Park has been selected as a key test area, with a goal of launching commercial autonomous bus services by 2029. A dedicated task force now promotes autonomous bus operations and mobility testing, demonstrating the city’s vision of AI integrated with smart transportation. Taipei also continues working with the Intelligent Transportation Society of Taiwan to expand international cooperation and promote the event at global ITS forums and congresses.

Hosting the congress will strengthen industrial partnerships, expand global exchanges, and boost tourism while positioning Taipei as a global hub for smart mobility innovation. The event will mark a new chapter in urban development, allowing the world to see Taipei and welcoming the world to the city in 2029.

The Department of Transportation explains that the plan includes 35 action items implemented through cooperation among city agencies. Street improvements include removing motorcycles from sidewalks along 21 road sections, adding or upgrading about 42.8 km of painted sidewalks, widening 13.8 km of physical sidewalks, and leveling 5.4 km of arcade walkways. These changes help seniors, wheelchair users, and families with strollers travel more safely. Intersection upgrades include 146 setback crosswalks and refuge islands, colorful crosswalk markings around 256 schools, pedestrian head-start signals at 1,280 locations, and pedestrian-only signal phases at 37 intersections, gradually encouraging mutual respect between drivers and pedestrians.

The city also launched improvement projects in high-activity areas near schools, hospitals, and parks. Walking routes around 223 schools have already been upgraded. Improvements were completed at 74 locations near hospitals and parks. Cooperation with neighborhood leaders around Taipei Veterans General Hospital led to sidewalk widening, curb extensions, painted sidewalks, removal of motorcycles from sidewalks, and construction of motorcycle parking bays. Elderly visitors, wheelchair users, medical staff, and nearby residents all report noticeable improvements.

Officials note that expansion of pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods began in 2023 with a pilot project in Daxue Village and continues citywide. Measures such as traffic calming in alleys, lane reductions, and connected walking spaces improve community safety. Thirty-eight neighborhoods now participate, and successful experiences have been shared with national and local governments as reference cases. Future plans include further expansion of pedestrian facilities, reducing reliance on cars and motorcycles, increasing walking activity, and building Taipei into a city where safe and comfortable streets become part of everyday life.

Taipei’s first model school zone was completed at Minquan Elementary School in Songshan District in December 2024. Follow-up surveys show 91.7 percent parent satisfaction, marking an important milestone for school commuting safety in Taipei. Each crosswalk and pedestrian refuge island helps children walk safely to school while giving parents greater peace of mind. Authorities continue implementing plans for at least one model school zone in each district. By the end of November 2025, projects were completed at Minquan Elementary School in Songshan District, Longan Elementary School in Da’an District, Guangfu Elementary School in Xinyi District, and Rixin and Penglai Elementary Schools in Datong District. Planning for eight additional zones is underway.

Safety efforts in 2025 continue under the Taipei Safe Traffic Program through cooperation across agencies in engineering upgrades, public education, enforcement, and supervision. The city also promotes the “See and Be Seen” campaign, encouraging mutual awareness and courtesy between drivers and pedestrians. The program encourages pedestrians to signal their intention to cross while drivers slow down and yield. Schools also strengthen safety awareness through education programs, while regular guidance helps schools use practical teaching tools to build long-term road safety awareness among students.

Officials explained that YouBike usage increased significantly after Taipei introduced free rides for the first 30 minutes in February 2024. Overall usage grew by more than 58 percent, with over 200,000 rides taken daily. Strengthening rider protection has therefore become necessary to improve safety and reduce risks from accidents.

The department also noted that insurance enrollment has already been required for YouBike 2.0E rentals since July 1, 2024, in cooperation with New Taipei and Taoyuan, because electric-assisted bikes travel faster and often cover longer distances. The policy proved effective, raising insurance enrollment among Taipei YouBike users from 78 percent in June 2024 to 90 percent by October 2025. The three cities now extend the requirement to all bikes for more complete coverage.

The government fully covers insurance premiums, and users pay nothing. Riders involved in accidents can apply for compensation through the insurer with medical documents in cases of death, disability, or hospitalization. Maximum compensation reaches NT$1 million, subject to regulations for riders under age 15.

The department reminded riders that injury insurance is personal coverage and requires real-name registration. Users should complete registration through either of the following channels as soon as possible:

Log in on the official YouBike website or the YouBike mobile app and enter the Public Bicycle Injury Insurance section to submit personal details.

Officials also reminded users that registration details, including ID number and birthdate, must match the actual rider to ensure eligibility for insurance claims.

Unverified ride service apps often attract users with low prices or discounts, but they typically lack comprehensive regulatory oversight. In the event of an accident or dispute, passengers’ rights may not be adequately protected. The Taipei City Public Transportation Office urges the public not to overlook their safety for short-term savings, and to prioritize using dispatch operators approved by the competent authority. The Office’s website also provides information on authorized taxi dispatch operators in Taipei for public reference (see attached)

• 臺北市派遣車隊叫車電話及APP.pdf

The Department of Transportation explained that Japan, as a super-aged society, has long faced issues related to high numbers of senior drivers and related accidents. Japan addressed this challenge through specialized training programs and capability assessments that help seniors evaluate their driving skills and reduce crash risks while maintaining their mobility. Taipei’s new program adapts these concepts for local needs. Training includes reaction tests, emergency braking, updates on traffic regulations, and refreshed road-safety awareness. The training also incorporates on-road practice such as S-curve driving, hill starts, crosswalk visibility checks, targeted braking, and response training for uneven surfaces. Professional driving instructors and appropriate class sizes will ensure training is both safe and suitable for senior participants.

The Department noted that senior driving affects not only the safety of the drivers themselves but also the well-being of their families and the wider community. This program supports seniors in maintaining driving independence while giving families and pedestrians greater peace of mind.

The city highlighted that this senior driver training follows the earlier senior motorcycle training initiative, making Taipei the first in the nation to offer both. Full or partial subsidies will be provided to encourage seniors to enroll. Future policy adjustments will be considered based on program results, creating a more complete safety framework for senior mobility.

The city emphasized its message: protecting seniors means protecting pedestrians. Education and support will help build a safer and more caring transportation environment.

The DOT noted that the city continues to implement many initiatives to improve the pedestrian environment, including redesigning intersections, connecting walking routes, removing sidewalk obstacles, adding modular speed bumps, and building physical sidewalks and barriers. Through the “Yielding Culture 2.0” campaign, the city aims to strengthen public awareness of “pedestrian first” and promote a safer, people-centered traffic culture.

With this year’s activities linked to World Car-Free Day, the city hopes residents will reduce carbon emissions through action. “Once you get out of the car, everyone becomes a pedestrian.” The campaign raises safety awareness across all ages and encourages young people and families to participate together. By integrating correct traffic-safety habits into family life, the city hopes younger generations will also influence older family members and help foster better traffic safety behavior across society.

The DOT again reminds drivers to manage their speed and always yield to pedestrians. “Leave home with joy, return home safely, that is the only road to happiness.” Together, let us build a more livable Taipei through safe, low-carbon, and friendly transportation choices.

The DOT explained that the pilot utilizes electronic geofence technology, which employs GPS and Bluetooth, to ensure that bikes are picked up and returned only within designated stations, thereby maintaining order on the streets. Shared bikes will be parked in bicycle parking zones, with new green markings added outside these zones to help riders clearly identify designated areas for shared bike parking.

For using this service, the public only needs to download the MOOVO app, complete registration, and link a credit card or stored-value card such as EasyCard, iPASS, or iCash. Users can then unlock and return bikes easily via smartphone or card. During the trial period, the fare is NT$10 for the first 15 minutes and NT$1 per minute thereafter. For assistance, riders may contact MOOVO through the app’s online customer service or call the service hotline at 02-2703-5522.

The DOT noted that the pilot will help evaluate the operational feasibility of geofenced shared e-bikes and will serve as an important reference for future smart mobility and green transportation initiatives. By introducing this new mobility option, the city aims to expand choices for residents, complement public transport coverage, improve convenience for short-distance travel and leisure, and gather feedback to assess the potential for full-scale implementation.

The PMDO has been actively working with schools, sports centers, and private operators to expand EV charger installation using public resources. These partners are required to submit charging facility data in a standard format, which is then integrated and published by the PMDO on the Taipei Easy Parking website, which allows citizens to quickly and accurately check real-time charger availability. In addition, the PMDO is collaborating with the Department of Industrial Development to include information from 29 fast-charging stations with 114 chargers, offering the public even more options.

The EV Charging Map displays both fast and slow charging services across parking lots and fast-charging stations, making it easier for drivers to find chargers that fit their travel needs. Since EV chargers vary in current, power levels, and connector types, the map also shows whether chargers are AC or DC and lists the number of each connector type. This feature helps drivers avoid wasting time traveling to a station only to find incompatible equipment. Built-in location and navigation functions further assist users in finding and navigating to suitable parking facilities.

Going forward, the PMDO will continue improving Taipei’s EV-friendly green-energy environment by providing accurate, transparent charging information and expanding public access to parking data, building a more efficient, smarter, and sustainable transportation system.

According to PMDO, Neihu Technology Park hosts a large working population, and traffic peaks during commuting hours. Since weekday street parking demand is high, it makes short-term parking for business or official visits difficult. By introducing motorcycle parking fees helps increase space turnover, and experience proven this is an effective approach. PMDO will continue to monitor parking usage in the area and make rolling adjustments as necessary.

The office encourages the public to make greater use of public transportation to build a more convenient, safe, and friendly travel environment. This will also help ensure that riders who need short-term parking can more easily find a space.

• Neihu_Technology_Park_New_Motorbike_Parking.pdf

As for the reason for filling in the bus-exclusive underpass, the roundabout requires a hollowed-out central island. Retaining the hollow section would require vehicles to pass over it, which demands sufficient structural strength. Preserving the underpass would necessitate capping the central island and constructing foundation piles on both sides of the roadway, with an estimated construction period of about two years. This approach would occupy two inner lanes of the roundabout, causing significant traffic disruption. Furthermore, only three lanes would remain at surface level, one of which is for left turns, leaving insufficient capacity for through traffic. By contrast, filling in the underpass requires an estimated construction period of about two months, with a smaller work zone and relatively minor traffic impact. It also allows additional road space to add another lane, effectively improving traffic flow at the surface-level intersection.

Bus-only lanes will be maintained but converted to surface-level lanes. With coordinated traffic signals at upstream and downstream intersections, simulations show that about 60% of buses will no longer need to stop at signals, while those that do will clear the intersection within a single signal cycle. Through buses on Roosevelt Road will remain on dedicated bus lanes, avoiding mixing with general traffic. Left-turning buses from Keelung Road to Roosevelt Road can directly enter the bus-only lane, reducing conflicts with general traffic—similar to the approaches on Ren’ai Road or Xinyi Road—ensuring priority for public transport.

This improvement plan has been repeatedly discussed with experts, scholars, and community groups, and presented to local stakeholders. After integrating all feedback, the orthogonal intersection design remains the optimal solution. Future improvements will continue to prioritize safety as the primary consideration.

The Department of Transportation, Taipei Metro, and YouBike are jointly supporting the “Green Transportation Fridays: Enjoy a Coffee on Us” campaign. From September 5 to 19, every Friday between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., the event will take place at four public transit locations (one YouBike station and three metro stations). By visiting the event booths and participating in any of three ways, the public can join the “Friday Green Transport – Coffee on Us” campaign. The first way is to like and share the designated post on the Department of Transportation’s Facebook page to receive a coffee gift set; the second is to wear an action badge sticker to enjoy coffee served in a reusable cup; and the third is to ride to one of the participating YouBike stations, where riders can receive an additional themed gift. The event is simple and integrates green transport, allowing citizens to recharge with energy during their commute while gradually incorporating a low-carbon lifestyle into daily life, making every Friday a more pleasant experience.

In addition, on September 19, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Education will co-host a “Low-Carbon School Day”, inviting students (K-12) and parents to walk, cycle, or take public transportation to and from school. Students who participate will also have the chance to receive a small gift.

To further support green transport, Taipei City Government employees will also commute using green transportation on September 19, demonstrating their commitment to low-carbon living and inviting citizens to join in “Car-Free Day and Green Transportation Fridays.”

Taipei City has promoted Car-Free Day for nearly 25 years. With well-developed public transportation, the NT$1,200 monthly commuter pass, and the policy of free YouBike rides for the first 30 minutes, citizens have increasingly shifted from private vehicles to green transportation. According to the latest survey by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, in 2024 Taipei’s green transportation usage reached 63%, and walking accounted for 20%—both the highest in the country. Taipei will continue providing a convenient, low-carbon, and high-quality transportation environment, encouraging citizens to make greater use of green transportation to protect the city’s air quality and quality of life.

Passengers often encounter common questions when taking buses, such as which route to take, whether they are waiting at the correct stop, which stop to get off, fares, payment methods, or lost and found issues. These uncertainties may lead passengers to forgo taking the bus or ask the driver directly upon boarding, creating extra workload for drivers. To provide timely responses to passengers’ bus-related questions, the Taipei City Department of Transportation, New Taipei City Department of Transportation, and Taipei Public Transport Office proposed the concept of an AI-powered virtual bus station manager. They guided the Taipei Joint Bus Management Committee and the New Taipei City Public Bus Operators Association to develop the “Taipei–New Taipei AI Bus Station Manager” – “Station Manager Ah-Ming.” Using generative AI technologies, the system was trained with frequently asked passenger questions, bus routes, estimated arrival times, stop locations, and other bus-related information to understand user inquiries and generate appropriate responses.

Passengers can ask questions in natural, conversational language and receive real-time information while waiting for the bus, improving convenience without needing to ask the driver on board. Currently, Station Manager Ah-Ming supports bilingual voice interaction in Mandarin and English, providing the following services:

1. Bus route planning inquiries
2. Estimated arrival time inquiries
3. Bus departure schedule inquiries
4. Route stop information inquiries
5. Other bus-related inquiries (e.g., lost and found assistance, passenger service information)

The “Taipei–New Taipei AI Bus Station Manager” – “Station Manager Ah-Ming” will be available for public interaction through two formats: a physical kiosk and QR code access. Locations in Taipei include the “City Hall Bus Transfer Station” (physical kiosk + QR code) and “Taipei Main Station (Zhengzhou side, eastbound)” (QR code only). In New Taipei City, it will appear at the “Banqiao Bus Station” (physical kiosk + QR code) and “MRT Tamsui Station” (QR code only). The pop-up event runs from August 11 to August 17, 2025, daily from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During the event, the public can interact with Station Manager Ah-Ming via the physical kiosk or scan the QR code to ask questions (QR code usage is limited to the event locations). Although Station Manager Ah-Ming has been initially developed, ongoing training is still required to improve the accuracy of responses. Everyone is encouraged to visit, interact with Ah-Ming, and help train the AI system.

Additionally, please be reminded that “Station Manager Ah-Ming” will never ask you to perform the following actions on your mobile device. You can safely use the service and avoid potential scams:

1. Provide personal information, bank account numbers, or passwords.
2. Join unknown LINE groups or social media accounts.
3. Scan suspicious QR codes or visit unknown external websites.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated that the city government is actively promoting green transportation and the full electrification of urban buses, with the total number of electric buses expected to exceed 1,000 this year. This project places the charging facility inside the metro depot, taking advantage of the complementary usage patterns—metro trains mainly consume electricity during the day, while electric buses charge mostly at night—allowing land and electrical resources to be used most efficiently. It is a concrete demonstration of smart urban management.

The Public Transport Office of Taipei City explained that, to enhance the safety of the charging facility, Taipei Metro and Danan Motor Company have installed high-standard advanced fire safety equipment at the depot, including mobile water mist systems and fire extinguishers specifically designed for lithium batteries. The Public Transport Office added that, starting today, 21 buses on Route 288, which serves the Shilin District and runs to Chongqing North Road, Nanjing East Road, and around City Hall, have also been replaced with electric buses. The total number of electric buses in the city now reaches 886, surpassing one-quarter of the fleet, providing citizens with a quieter and more comfortable riding experience.

Taipei City hopes to use this successful project as a model for future shared charging facilities. Moving forward, the city will continue to assist bus operators in replacing aging diesel buses with electric ones and establishing charging stations, aiming to provide more convenient and user-friendly public transportation services, and advance toward full electrification of urban buses by 2030.

Taipei City’s bus services cover the Taipei–New Taipei metropolitan area, serving approximately 6.5 million residents and carrying over 1 million passengers daily. Since 2020, bus driver staffing has been impacted by multiple factors—including the COVID-19 pandemic, an aging population, declining birth rates, and workplace stress—falling from 4,564 in 2019 to 3,652 in 2024, a substantial decrease of 912. Facing public transportation demand, the driver shortage has become an issue that must be actively addressed. Therefore, Taipei City submitted the proposal ‘How to Introduce Smart Systems to Address Issues Arising from Bus Driver Shortages and Improve Public Transportation Service Quality’ to this year’s Challenge. The proposal presents measures that utilize big data to optimize routes and schedules, provide passenger load information, and establish a bus academy to enhance training and professional development. The judges recognized its potential to address common challenges across cities. During the competition period, the Bloomberg Philanthropies will facilitate collaborative brainstorming sessions between experts and city teams to develop comprehensive improvement plans.

Bloomberg Philanthropies stated that a total of 630 cities submitted proposals in this year’s competition, fully reflecting the major challenges facing urban areas today. For example, one-third of the proposals from North America and Canada focus on housing and shelter issues; nearly half of the proposals from Africa aim to upgrade waste management; in the Asia-Pacific region, one out of every five applications addresses clean air, water resources, and infrastructure; while European applicant cities tend to emphasize social inclusion and poverty alleviation initiatives. In addition, the shortlisted cities were selected based on the innovativeness, impact potential, and feasibility of their ideas. Taipei City’s proposal combines technological innovation with institutional reform, reimagining how a city can deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable public transportation services to strengthen overall urban resilience.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated that since his first day in office, he and the city government team have continued to take on challenges while actively advancing smart transportation systems. Influenced by multiple factors—including the COVID-19 pandemic, population aging, declining birth rates, and workplace stress—the shortage of bus drivers has become a pressing challenge that must be actively addressed. Through this competition, the Taipei City Government team seeks solutions with more creative and bold proposals, not only to address Taipei’s own challenges but also to engage with cities around the world in tackling common issues, with the goal of building more stable and high-quality transportation services.

• Top 50 finalist cities.pdf

Yongkang Street is home to many well-known unique shops. On weekend afternoons, visitors flood the area, especially in front of Yongkang Park, where several popular shops often attract long queues that spill over sidewalks and roads. To improve the pedestrian experience, this trial zone will open roadways for pedestrian use only. Though general vehicle access to the controlled area will be prohibited, flexible traffic control will be implemented to minimize disruption to local residents. Access will still be allowed for residents, shop owners, and emergency response vehicles, as well as delivery vehicles and taxis. The goal is to foster a more pedestrian-friendly environment while maintaining essential access. Special events will be held to enhance quality of life, including Mother’s Day parent-child activities in Yongkang Park and weekend markets during the 2^nd and 3^rd weekend. The city encourages visitors to take public transportation such as the MRT, buses, or YouBike when visiting and fully enjoy a relaxing weekend at Yongkang Street.

In recent years, the city has vigorously promoted green transportation and infrastructure to accelerate urban transformation, making Taipei a smarter and more environmentally friendly metropolis. The Department of Transportation has focused on two main areas: public transportation (e.g., Megacity Pass 1200, 30-minute free YouBike rides, and personal carbon passport) and private vehicle management (e.g., EV charging infrastructure). According to the 2025 policy report, Taipei aims to become a "livable city" by providing residents with a more convenient, low-carbon lifestyle through green transportation and smart infrastructure.

Through ongoing public-private collaboration, Taipei will continue to enhance EV charging facilities in public parking lots, making green transportation more accessible. With approximately 24,000 electric vehicles in Taipei, annual CO₂ emissions have been reduced by 54,000 metric tons—equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of 139.53 Daan Forest Parks (one park absorbs 387 tons of CO₂ per year), thus creating a cleaner environment for citizens.

The recent adoption of EVOASIS's “AC Plug-and-Charge” technology enables fully automatic charging with no additional user action, providing a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The EVOASIS AC smart chargers are also integrated with an Energy Management System (EMS), which optimizes power allocation and load balancing, ensuring efficient and stable charging, and enhancing overall energy use efficiency. This combination of smart technology and sustainable development reinforces Taipei’s progress toward a low-carbon, livable city and an EV-friendly urban environment.

Moving forward, to meet the goals outlined in the 2025 policy report for a livable city, Taipei aims to increase the number of charging stations to 1,600 by the end of 2025, further upgrading green infrastructure and advancing low-carbon sustainability. The city government will continue partnering with industry stakeholders to expand the smart charging network, promote green and smart transportation, and improve the convenience of daily life—collectively building a sustainable, low-carbon, and livable city.

According to the Public Transportation Office, the city launched a ADAS subsidy program for buses starting in 2020, aiming for full implementation by the end of 2025. Thanks to active cooperation from bus operators, the city achieved full installation ahead of schedule on March 28, 2025, with a total of 3,384 buses now equipped with ADAS.

Additionally, Taipei’s large buses are already equipped with anti-pinch door sensors and door-closure warning devices. Due to limitations in sensor scope and reliability, the city only began installing active door safety sensor systems starting from 2024. Thanks to strong public-private collaboration, originally scheduled for full completion by 2030, the target has now been moved forward to 2026, with at least 80% of installations completed by the end of 2025 to further enhance passenger safety.

To address this, Taipei City Traffic Engineering Office collaborated with the Fire Department to use GPS data from ambulances and fire trucks as input for an emergency vehicle priority signal control system. In 2024, the city completed the installation of this system on 29 heavily congested and traffic-sensitive road segments, covering major medical institutions and enabling prioritized access for emergency vehicles citywide.

The system calculates and adjusts downstream green and red light durations beforehand to facilitate emergency vehicle passage. According to performance evaluations, the system supports approximately 3,000 emergency trips per month, reducing travel time by an average of 42 seconds per trip. This gain in critical “golden rescue” time, along with a 62.5% decrease in ambulance-related intersection accidents, significantly enhances traffic safety.

　　To create a safe and friendly traffic environment, Taipei launched the “Pedestrian Safety in Taipei Plan” in 2023. One key initiative, the “School Pedestrian Safety Program,” covers all 280 high schools and lower-level institutions in the city, mapping out safe routes for students and incorporates school crossing guard posts into overall safety evaluations, implementing cross-agency collaboration to ensure safe travel for students during school hours. As of October 2024, on-site assessments have been completed for all 147 elementary schools in the city, with improvement projects expected to be finished by the end of 2025.

　　In terms of traffic safety education, the Department of Education has actively promoted awareness among children. In 2024, safety training was conducted for drivers of vehicles transporting young children and for preschool staff, with an 82% participation rate. Traffic safety training for school commuting was also held for elementary school staff, with 89% of schools participating, demonstrating a strong commitment to children’s traffic safety education. The city continues to foster a collaborative, cross-agency effort to build a traffic-safe environment.

　　In 2025, the city will continue advancing the “Pedestrian Safety in Taipei Plan” through cross-agency collaboration in engineering, education, law enforcement, and vehicle supervision. A new traffic safety campaign—“I See You, You See Me”—will promote mutual awareness and courtesy between pedestrians and drivers. The campaign aims to instill a culture where “pedestrians make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and drivers yield upon seeing pedestrians,” creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Before this battery swapping station was installed, local residents inconveniently had to travel 7 kilometers to the vicinity of National Chengchi University to swap batteries. In response, local borough chiefs and business district associations proposed the "Three Mao Plan 2.0" to the city government. After joint on-site inspections by the city government, borough chiefs, business district associations, Taiwan Power Company, and battery swapping station operators, the city provided public land of the Taipei Tea Promotion Center for operators to install the station, improving convenience for nearby residents and boosting green tourism in the area.

The Department of Transportation emphasized that the public-private collaboration under the "Three Mao Plan 2.0" has also improved public transportation services in Maokong. Tourists who take the Maokong Gondola up the mountain using an EasyCard can transfer for free to either the right route or left route (Zhinan Temple Route) of the Maokong itinerant bus. Before getting off, passengers can request a "transfer ticket" from the driver, allowing additional free rides on the same day to explore Maokong's attractions easily. To enhance accessibility for international visitors, the Maokong itinerant bus now includes Japanese and Korean signs. Furthermore, an addition of 2 direct buses from Maokong Gondola Station to MRT Taipei Zoo Station will operate on weekend afternoons. The left route (Zhinan Temple Route) will also extend its service to Maokong Gondola Station on weekdays, with new stops added at the Taipei Tea Promotion Center and Tianen Temple. Visitors are welcome to use these services.

Visitors can reach Yangmingshan by taking the following bus routes—MRT Shipai Station: Bus routes S8 and 128; MRT Beitou Station: Bus routes S9 and 129; MRT Jiantan Station: Bus routes 111 and Red 5; Taipei Main Station: Bus routes 260 (including its local bus route and Flower Clock route) and Route 1717 (distance-based fare) For further inquiries, contact bus dispatch centers, visit the Taipei eBus website (ebus.gov.taipei), or call the 1999 Taipei Citizen Hotline.

To meet accessibility needs, low-floor buses will be available on Bus Route 260 (including local routes) and Red 5 (between MRT Jiantan Station and Yangmingshan). Additionally, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the Flower Festival and Calla Lily Festival, small rehabilitation bus service is provided at the Yangmingshan Flower Clock Parking Lot with two designated routes: (1) Route A: Yangmingshan Shuwu, Yangmingshan National Park – Erziping Recreation Area, Zhuzihu, and Zhong Shen Happiness Plaza Accessible Trail; (2) Route B: Lengshuikeng and Qingtiangang. Signs will be placed at each bus stop, and passengers can ask for a contact card from the driver so that they can schedule return trips.

Additionally, Taipei's Universal Taxi offers reservation services. Passengers can call the toll-free number 0800-055850 (press 3 after connecting) to book a ride. The public is welcome to use these services.

Since the launch of "Keelung-Taipei-New Taipei-Taoyuan My Carbon Reduction Account" on April 8, 2024, it has attracted over 320,000 participants, achieving a total reduction of 40,000 metric tons in carbon, and has also received support from 217 model enterprises and 141 companies, institutions, and schools. The initiative has earned the 2024 Sustainability Action Award (SDG11 Silver Award). In 2025, the initiative will introduce a "reward redemption system."

The YouBike system now has 22,000 bikes and 1,505 stations, with stations accessible within a 150-200m walking distance, making it one of the most inclusive public bike systems worldwide. Since the introduction of the first 30 minutes free policy, daily usage has increased 50%, with bike availability maintained above 90%. Public surveys show an 88% satisfaction rate, with 22% of users stating they have replaced some or all car/motorcycle trips with YouBike, effectively promoting green transportation. Furthermore, YouBike 2.0E electric-assist bikes were introduced on August 30, 2024, with 1,000 units currently in operation and plans to expand to 4,500 units by 2026, offering a new low-carbon commuting option.

To achieve full electrification of city buses by 2030, the Department of Transportation continues to subsidize the replacement of diesel buses. As of December 20, 2024, Taipei has deployed 712 electric buses, the highest number in Taiwan, and is expected to surpass 1,000 electric buses in 2025. These buses offer smoother rides, lower noise levels, low emissions, and low pollution, significantly improving urban environment quality. They are mainly deployed on major bus routes with high passenger volumes to maximize carbon reduction by replacing diesel trips.

"Low-carbon transportation and sustainable development" are essential elements of daily life. The Keelung-Taipei-New Taipei-Taoyuan region is a one-day commuting circle, and initiatives such as the "Megacity Pass 1200," "My Carbon Reduction Account," "YouBike first 30 minutes free policy," and "full electrification of city buses," is driving the Greater Taipei area towards its net-zero emissions target.

Taipei City Deputy Secretary-General You Shih-Ming stated that in 2024, Taipei's dedication to smart transportation and talent development has been widely recognized. Besides winning numerous domestic smart transportation awards, Taipei secured the hosting rights for the "2029 ITS World Congress" in partnership with ITS Taiwan, gaining international recognition. This event will bring together experts from industry, government, and academia to explore the integration of AI and ITS, showcasing Taipei's progress in smart city development.

The award-winning "Smart Video Incident Detection System Project" integrates AI and ITS to automatically detect traffic incidents, reducing response times by 8-10 minutes compared to manual observation and enables authorities to take early action, effectively minimizing traffic impact. The system has already been installed on Civic Boulevard and Jianguo Expressway.

Looking ahead, Taipei City will continue to focus on "safety, humanism, green, and smart" development, advancing smart city initiatives, reducing transportation emissions, and promoting green transportation solutions.

The Taipei City Traffic Engineering Office (hereafter referred to as the TEO) notes that since December 31 is a weekday, New Year's Eve traffic will coincide with regular evening rush hour. Based on past years’ data, traffic congestion around the Xinyi District will begin in the afternoon and persist into the early hours of New Year’s Day. Furthermore, heavy traffic is expected on the following major roads before and after the event: Keelung Road, Civic Boulevard, Zhongxiao East Road, Ren'ai Road, Xinyi Road, Guangfu South Road, Dunhua North Road, Bade Road, and Xinhai Road. Congestion is also anticipated on the following highways, expressways, and bridges: Civic Boulevard, Jianguo Expressway, Xinyi Expressway, HuanDong Boulevard, Tiding Boulevard, MacArthur Bridges 1 & 2, Dazhi Bridge, Fuhe Bridge, and Yongfu Bridge. Additionally, areas near popular countdown and leisure spots such as Miramar in Dazhi, Yangmingshan Yangde Boulevard, and Maokong near Taipei Zoo will also experience increased traffic. The public is advised to avoid these roads during peak hours.

Given the high traffic volumes before the countdown, the TEO will adjust traffic signals on major roads to operate in extended peak-hour cycles. For post-event traffic, from midnight to 2:00 AM on January 1, 2025, Keelung Road (between Leyeh Street and George Vocational High School) will implement a reversible lane system, similar to weekday afternoon peak-hour operations, to improve traffic flow. The public is urged to drive cautiously and cooperate with traffic control measures to ensure safety and smooth travel during New Year's Eve celebrations.

This year’s “2024 Neihu Green Transportation and ESG Promotion Project” was co-organized by the Taipei City Department of Transportation and Neihu Technology Park Development Association, aiming to reduce traffic congestion in Neihu via public-private collaboration. Enterprises are encouraged to promote green transportation or adopt work-from-home policies. The program held 3 briefings, attracting participation from 302 companies—an 86% increase from last year—among which 117 partnered with the city government, marking a 92% increase. To further support bicycle commuting, the program has also developed 2 cycling routes for employees this year.

Other than acknowledging companies' efforts and innovation in green transportation, Neihu Technology Park Development Association Chairman Jesse Chou emphasized the importance of continuing to promote green transportation among Neihu enterprises, encouraging more companies and employees to switch to low-carbon transportation options to alleviate traffic in Neihu. The Department of Transportation and the association will deepen their collaboration to improve Neihu traffic and transform the park into Taiwan’s first smart low-carbon transportation hub.

The Taipei City Public Transportation Office announced that the Taipei River Cruise “Zhongxiao Wharf to Guandu Wharf via Dadaocheng” Route will operate weekend services during November and December 2024 (please refer to operators' schedules for details). Each day, the first 20 passengers traveling on the Dadaocheng-Guandu route will receive a “Taipei River Cruise Mini Trip” souvenir. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the wharf or via the KKTIX online ticketing platform (search for: Zhongxiao Wharf ⟷ Guandu Wharf).

The event's highest honor went to Mr. Wu Cheng-sen, a senior exemplary driver with over 20 years of service for Route 292 at Capital Bus. He diligently follows the eight principles of safe driving, such as always slowing down at intersections and pedestrian crossings to ensure safety. Wu praised Taipei's advancements in bus safety features, particularly the 360-degree surround-view system, which eliminates blind spots and significantly enhances driving safety. Among the awardees was Ms. Chen Yen-an, an outstanding taxi driver with 15 years of service. Known for her careful driving and warm personality, Chen formed close friendships with overseas Taiwanese passengers during the pandemic, even served as a bridge between them and their families in Taiwan, ensuring their parents traveled safely. Her efforts not only enhanced the professional image of taxi drivers, but also demonstrated her social responsibility and dedication.

Mayor Chiang highlighted Taipei's nationwide-first initiative to subsidize public bus operators in upgrading safety equipment, such as systems that provide real-time alerts for tailgating, lane departure, and blind spots to improve driving and passenger safety. In response to new traffic regulations, Taipei also introduced Taiwan's first-ever “Shared Temporary Parking Zones for Commercial Vehicles,” providing safe waiting areas for taxi drivers without disrupting other vehicles and improve safety for seniors and people with disabilities during boarding and alighting, reducing accident risks.

Concluding his remarks, Mayor Chiang expressed deep gratitude to all traffic safety heroes, acknowledging their crucial role in the city's road safety. He emphasized Taipei's commitment to creating safer Taipei by promoting pedestrian-friendly practices, such as ensuring vehicles yield at crosswalks. As part of the city's dedication to “2024 Traffic Safety,” these collective efforts aim to make Taipei a city of safety and love, enhancing residents' daily lives and sense of security.

The Taipei Department of Transportation noted that since its introduction in 2020 in partnership with EasyCard Corporation, the “Mobile Tap-and-Go” function has allowed users to board various transportation modes via the Easy Wallet app. This year, the service expanded to include Taiwan Railways, Taoyuan Metro, and New Taipei Light Rail for single-journey tickets. As of September 26, 2024, users can now also purchase the NT$1,200 monthly pass with the app. Those who purchase the pass via this method by November 30, 2024 can enjoy up to 5% cashback. Additionally, 10 lucky users will win NT$1,200 in Easy Wallet credits, while new Easy Wallet members may win NT$100 cashback vouchers (2,000 in total, first 1,000 members guaranteed). The Department further elaborated that WeMo Scooter’s promotional campaign, launched on October 7, aims to encourage green transportation. Passholders can purchase the WeMo PASS for just NT$30 and enjoy three 20-minute free ride coupons. Additional discounts of up to 20% off per ride are available based on usage frequency, making the pass more versatile for commuting, shopping, and leisure.

The Taipei Department of Transportation noted that since its introduction in 2020 in partnership with EasyCard Corporation, the “Mobile Tap-and-Go” function has allowed users to board various transportation modes via the Easy Wallet app. This year, the service expanded to include Taiwan Railways, Taoyuan Metro, and New Taipei Light Rail for single-journey tickets. As of September 26, 2024, users can now also purchase the NT$1,200 monthly pass with the app. Those who purchase the pass via this method by November 30, 2024 can enjoy up to 5% cashback. Additionally, 10 lucky users will win NT$1,200 in Easy Wallet credits, while new Easy Wallet members may win NT$100 cashback vouchers (2,000 in total, first 1,000 members guaranteed). The Department further elaborated that WeMo Scooter’s promotional campaign, launched on October 7, aims to encourage green transportation. Passholders can purchase the WeMo PASS for just NT$30 and enjoy three 20-minute free ride coupons. Additional discounts of up to 20% off per ride are available based on usage frequency, making the pass more versatile for commuting, shopping, and leisure.

According to the Department of Transportation, Megacity Pass sales reached 540,000 in September 2024, coinciding with the back-to-school season. Since its launch 14 months ago, total usage across all transportation modes has exceeded 620 million trips as of September 30, 2024, including: Metro: 289 million trips (46.43%); City buses: 222 million trips (35.76%); Taiwan Railways: 34 million trips (5.48%); Intercity buses: 30 million trips (5.19%); YouBike: 26 million trips (4.20%); Taoyuan Metro: 15 million trips (2.33%); Light Rail: 4 million trips (0.61%)

This achievement, following 3 previous attempts in over a decade, reflects the city's dedication and the recognition of its innovative smart transport initiatives by ITS Asia-Pacific member countries, marking the first time that Taipei will host this prestigious global event. Hosting the congress is expected to drive significant opportunities in Taiwan's smart city development, ICT industry, intelligent transportation systems, and tourism-related sectors.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an, along with ITS Taiwan Chairman Shih Yi-fang, led the comprehensive effort to integrate expertise from government, industry, academia, and research sectors. With guidance from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the team strategically combined central and local resources with private ICT industry strengths to form a compelling bid, highlighting the alignment with other major events such as the Smart City Summit & Expo and the International Semiconductor Exhibition, offering participants a chance to experience 2 major international events and fostering cross-industry exchanges.

The 2029 ITS World Congress, set for September 2029 in Taipei, is expected to attract over 20,000 participants from around the globe, featuring 200 forums, over 1,000 exhibitors, and 500 exhibits and technical tours. The event, themed "Harmonizing an AITS World," welcomes all to join this global gathering and will showcase cutting-edge AI+ITS technologies, focusing on proactive problem detection, swift decision-making, and promoting integration of AI in local tech and tourism sectors.

Registered micro electric two-wheel vehicles may park in roadside motorcycle parking spaces (except time-limited spaces). However, unregistered vehicles are prohibited from using these spaces and will be removed under Taipei’s local traffic regulations.

From January to July 2024, Taipei recorded 990 traffic violations involving micro electric two-wheel vehicles. The top 3 violations were failure to wear a helmet, improper parking, and riding on sidewalks. To ensure pedestrian safety, The Department of Transportation has announced that these vehicles are banned from sidewalks and city bike paths (except riverside bike paths). Additional regulations include: riders must be at least 14 years old; helmets and mandatory insurance are required; passengers are not allowed; passengers, drunk driving, and unauthorized modifications to electronic systems or specifications are prohibited; maximum speed limit is 25 km/h. Starting November 30, 2024, license plates will be mandatory for all micro electric two-wheel vehicles to legally operate on the road.

Mayor Chiang highlighted that Taipei is advancing toward its 2050 net-zero carbon emission goal by promoting public transportation and green mobility. To enhance convenience, Taipei will gradually expand the number of YouBike 2.0E, reaching 4,500 bikes by 2026, and aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable commuting and leisure experience along with the city’s 400 km city bike lanes, 112 km of riverside bike lanes, and New Taipei’s extensive commuting bike paths will create seamless options for both commuting and leisure.

To address bike availability issues, Mayor Chiang noted that Taipei has used big data to optimize bike deployment and added over 7,000 bicycles since taking office, maintaining a bike availability rate above 90%. Additionally, the city’s first 30 minutes free policy introduced in February 2024 boosted daily YouBike rides by 40%, from 126,000 to 177,000, with satisfaction rates reaching 88% and 22% replacing car or motorcycle trips with YouBike, significantly reducing private vehicle use.

The Taipei Department of Transportation reminds users to comply with the YouBike Point System implemented in Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan since July 2024. and to prioritize pedestrian safety and follow traffic regulations. Pedestrians and drivers are encouraged to respect the right of way for bicycles, practice mutual courtesy, and maintain a safe distance to protect the safety of cyclists. Additionally, before renting a YouBike 2.0E, users are reminded to register for free public liability insurance on the YouBike website or app to ensure both safety and access to rentals.

To improve service quality, PMDO has outsourced EV charging station operations and maintenance to private contractors, implementing a user-pays system. Starting August 23, 2024, 73 charging stations adopted a per-kWh pricing model, replacing differential rate pricing, with full implementation expected by year-end. EV owners can use the “Taipei Parking Information System” platform to check real-time availability and navigate to charging spots, easing range anxiety.

For enhanced safety, PMDO has also equipped parking lots with fire sprinklers, fire blankets, and emergency intercoms for immediate communication, alongside regular fire drills with the Taipei Fire Department to ensure preparedness and improve disaster response capabilities.

As for better charging slot management, new regulations announced on August 28 stipulate proper usage of EV charging spaces and allow EVs to occupy charging spaces overnight (10 PM to 7 AM) without charging, reducing idle space and optimizing usage for both EV and fuel-powered vehicle owners. PMDO's initiatives aim to create a more EV-friendly environment, further promoting sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, increasing vehicle-to-charger ratio, lowering range anxiety, and improve management. EV owners are encouraged to take full advantage of these resources.

This session featured a keynote speech by Huang Jen-Hong, Deputy Manager of the Taipei Exchange, who discussed “Using Green Bonds to Fund Green Transportation: Methods and Benefits,” which garnered significant attention from company representatives. Several businesses also shared their practical efforts to promote green transportation, such as implementing flexible work hours and staggered departmental shifts to ease traffic in Neihu. Lion Travel shared their efforts in launching employee shuttle buses, connecting Songshan and Kunyang MRT stations directly to their offices, proactively encouraging employees to use public transportation. Moving forward, the city government will continue collaborating with the Neihu Technology Park Development Association to promote more concrete green transportation initiatives and awareness campaigns, aspiring for Neihu to become a model for green transportation in Taipei and nation-wide.

Since 2023, the Taipei Department of Transportation and the Neihu Technology Park Development Association have joined forces for the first time to implement the “2024 Neihu Green Transportation and ESG Promotion Project.” By adopting a “green flow” strategy, the initiative aims to reduce travel times within the district and alleviate traffic congestion. Zhang Bo-Yao, Chair of the Neihu Technology Park Development Association and project leader, emphasized the association's pivotal role in rallying participation within the park. This year, over 100 companies have joined the initiative, encouraging employees to prioritize green transportation. Prominent participants such as Cathay Healthcare Management, Cathay Clinic, and Ever Rich have incorporated the "My Carbon Reduction Account" and green commuting measures into their corporate policies. These collaborative efforts between businesses and the city government represent significant progress in improving Neihu’s traffic conditions through sustainable practices.

To encourage Neihu Technology Park employees to use public transportation, the Taipei City Public Transportation Office and the Neihu Technology Park Development Association have partnered with the "My Carbon Reduction Account" campaign in Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan, and will hold the "Limited-Time Double Park Shuttle Bus Bonus Draw." From August 1 to September 30, 2024, passengers who register as Easy Wallet APP members, link their registered EasyCard, and participate in the Carbon Reduction Account campaign will be eligible for a prize draw. During this period, each ride(one ride = boarding and alighting) taken on the "Neihu Tech Park♾️Nangang Software Park" shuttle bus using the registered EasyCard gives the participant one entry into the draw. Riding the shuttle twice gives two entries, and so on. The more rides taken, the higher the chances of winning exquisite gifts provided by the Neihu Technology Park Development Association.

For more information, please visit the official website of the "My Carbon Reduction Account" campaign( [Link] ).

At the event, Danny Lin, Vice President of Qisda, who specializes in risk management, human resources, and sustainability, was invited to share insights on "Corporate Sustainability Operations and Practices," emphasizing the importance of the three ESGs(Environmental, Social, and Governance) and the responsibility of companies in environmental protection.

Additionally, the Taipei City Public Transportation Office and the Neihu Technology Park Development Association have launched the "Neihu Tech Park♾️Nangang Software Park Shuttle Bus" service to enhance transportation between Neihu and Nangang Software Parks, all the while also promoting corporate participation in the "My Carbon Reduction Account" corporate version to raise awareness of green transportation and carbon emission issues among businesses. Mr. Chang Po-Yao, Vice Chairman of the Neihu Technology Park Development Association and host of the event, stated that the "Neihu Tech Park♾️Nangang Software Park Shuttle Bus" not only offers more commuting options for employees, but also contributes to the global Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 goal. He urged companies to fulfill ESG responsibilities by encouraging employees to participate in the "My Carbon Reduction Account" campaign, where they could also win prizes such as airline tickets and 3C products while contributing to carbon reduction.

The "2024 Neihu Green Transportation and ESG Promotion Plan" will hold its second and third promotion sessions on July 18 and August 22, respectively, with keynote speeches on "Social Responsibility" and "Corporate Governance" by distinguished guests. Companies and individuals interested in participating can visit the Neihu Technology Park Development Association’s Facebook page for the latest updates.

To enhance user protection, the Department of Transportation highlights that, since 2018, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan have offered public bike injury insurance and third-party liability insurance to protect riders in case of incidents resulting in death, disability, hospitalization, as well as injuries or fatalities caused to third parties. The maximum coverage for public bike injury insurance is NT$1 million, with a daily hospitalization coverage of up to NT$1,000. The maximum third-party liability coverage is NT$2 million. Since 2023, there have been 90 injury claims totaling NT$3,356,758, and 9 third-party liability claims totaling NT$1,360,703.

Recently, the Department of Transportation has sent SMS reminders to those without insurance. Recipients can log in to the YouBike official website or app to register for free insurance. Riders should ensure that the actual user and the insured person are the same to qualify for insurance claims, and they should verify that each registered card matches the user's information to protect their rights.

According to data from the Central Weather Administration, July and August have the highest average temperatures, often exceeding 30°C. To reduce waiting times at red lights and exposure to the sun, the Traffic Engineering Office has adjusted the signal timing during off-peak hours (9:00 to 16:30) at 740 intersections of major and secondary roads, as well as around schools, including "Lane 107, Tianmu East Road," reducing the average red light duration by 21 seconds.

The Traffic Engineering Office will continue to monitor traffic flow and intersection coordination after reducing red light times and will adjust the timing of traffic lights as needed based on public feedback.