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By Shelley Shan / Staff Reporter
Starting next month, the much-anticipated TPass 2.0 program is set to roll out new benefits for avid bus travelers. Participants in the program will be eligible for a 15 percent rebate on mid to long-distance freeway buses as well as on buses headed toward the east coast, with rebates applicable twice a month. According to the Highway Bureau, this initiative aims to encourage more frequent use of public transportation.
Bureau Director-General Lin Fu-shan (林福山) emphasized that TPass 2.0 was created to reward frequent riders of public transport. Individuals who utilize city buses, highway buses, trains, or MRTs at least 11 times a month will be able to avail of these rebates. This presents a significant opportunity for those who depend heavily on buses for commuting.
As of November 12, an impressive 265,000 participants have already registered for TPass 2.0, leading to around 16.56 million trips qualifying for rebates between February and September. This data reflects a growing trend towards public transportation usage, enhancing the program’s relevance.
Photo: Tsai Yun-jung, Taipei Times
TPass 2.0 predominantly serves commuters using the MRT or city buses to navigate their daily routines. However, it also seeks to assist homebound travelers who rely on mid and long-distance freeway buses. To address the unique travel patterns of these passengers, the newly introduced TPass 2.0+ incentive offers enticing rebates for those taking journeys exceeding 70km along the west coast or traveling to the east coast.
The initiative covers an extensive network of 91 freeway bus routes. TPass 2.0 holders can secure frequent rider rebates by using these services at least twice in a month. For those who particularly maximize their bus travel, taking four trips in a month could yield rebates as high as 40 percent.
The program also acknowledges peak travel periods, particularly during major national holidays. During these times, bus passengers typically enjoy a 40 percent discount on tickets. TPass 2.0+ participants will be able to enjoy a more significant reduction in prices during these busy periods. For instance, a roundtrip ticket between Taipei and Kaohsiung costs NT$1,606 on regular days. However, during major holidays, this price drops to NT$964, and TPass 2.0+ holders would pay only NT$819, making travel even more affordable.
Furthermore, if travelers take advantage of two major holidays within a single month, the ticket price would adjust to NT$1,348, providing yet another pathway to savings. These structured discounts are designed to be accessible and beneficial to those who plan their trips around holiday schedules.
It’s essential to note that these rebates are exclusively available for users of electronic ticket cards, including EasyCard, iPass, and iCash 2.0. The program places a cap on the rebates, allowing users to receive a maximum of NT$2,500 in rebates each month, which promotes responsible travel and encourages users to optimize their commuting habits.
Participants in the TPass 2.0 program can conveniently collect their rebates every month on the 25th, accessible at various locations including convenience stores, MRT stations, and through their respective electronic card applications. This streamlined collection process aims to enhance user experience and ensure that participants can easily claim their rewards.