Should you find yourself exploring Taiwan, have no problem understanding and speaking Chinese, and you opt to see places by yourself, here are means of transportation that could help you.
1. BUSES
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| This bus stop is at Taipei City. Each bus number has list of cities it will pass through. |
Taiwan buses have numbers affixed in front of their windshield. It is an indicator of the routes it’ll take, and arrival time at bus stops. It’s a bit confusing at first, but if you’re unsure of the directions, it’s better to ask the locals for help. Buses also don’t let people aboard and alight anywhere they want, they have specific bus terminals for it.
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| So, here is my sister feigning to know where we're heading. Hahaha |
It doesn’t have a conductor coming to you and asking for your fare, it’s either you pay before boarding or before alighting, depending on the instructions written on bus. It has an automated small drop box machine located beside the driver where you pay. Be ready with your change. Minimum fare is 15NT.
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| Usually during peak hours, just like any other, buses are packed with passengers. |
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| You have to push that red button to signal that you have to alight at the next bus station, otherwise the bus driver won't halt. |
There are frequent commuters who uses an Easy Card (stored value card) where they can just tap it on the machine.
2. TRAINS
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| This is Taipei City's train station, the biggest station by far I've seen in Taiwan. |
Taiwan trains are extensive, which channels out to cities, towns and provinces. Terminal range varies per area, but some are similar to airports that has numerous boarding gates. So be careful on which gate you board.
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| Different gates for different places. |
These pictures are Taipei Train station, the main station leading to provinces, cities, and towns. One of the reasons why this train station is huge is because it already comprises 3 different kinds of trains; Local Trains, MRT, and High Speed Rail (faster than MRT).
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| For places just around the city, you may opt to use the fare vending machine to avoid waiting in line for the cashier. |
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| If you're waiting for your boarding time, you may hang around here and take pictures. |
3. TAXIS
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| This photo is taken from FocusTaiwan. |
Taxis are also available if you’re in a hurry, and you want a comfortable private space. But it’s quite expensive with a flag down rate of 70NT with incremental rate of 5NT.
4. MOTORS
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| This photo is taken from Konnicha. |
Motorbikes are also very common in Taiwan, more so than cars. Why? Because it’s cheaper, and could take you to places faster. If you’re worried about accidents, well, stay at home then, hahaha just kidding. For crowded places, there are specially made lanes for motors. But whether you’re driving a car, a motor, and others still observe caution, it’s the only way to keep you from accidents.
5. BIKES
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| These rent-a-bikes are called Ubike. |
If items 1-4 aren’t enough for you, then buckle up as this generation, renting bicycles are widely used. There are countless metered-bicycles stationed around the city. It was developed to encourage wider use of energy-efficiency, zero-carbon vehicles.
Just simply register your Easy Card, and local mobile number in a nearby kiosk for verification, no deposit required. Once done, choose an available bicycle, swipe your card on the terminal, and slide the bike out.
UBike is priced at 10NT per 30 minutes of usage. You can return the bike in any UBike station, provided a space available. Just slide the bike into the terminal (an indicator LED flashes blue), then swipe your Easycard. The screen will display the fare and deduct from the value stored on your card.
**By the way, the Easy card (also known as Yoyo card) can be purchased at any convenience store (7/11, Hi-Life, Family Mart, or etc.) and can be used to pay fares on buses, train stations, and UBikes.
Hope this helps you get places as you journey in Taiwan!
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| It sure was reflected on the picture how my sister was very much annoyed. Hahaha! |
Be safe!
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