Taipei and New Taipei spend NT$50 million on ‘Car-Free Day’ buses, but exclude the MRT and YouBike

Taipei and New Taipei are putting NT$50 million into a one-day Car-Free Day promotion that covers buses only. On Sept. 22, passengers on 719 urban bus routes will be able to board and alight without tapping a transit card or paying a fare.

Taipei Deputy Mayor Chang Wen-te, Taipei Transportation Department Commissioner Hsieh Ming-hung and New Taipei Transportation Department Commissioner Chung Ming-shih announced the joint program, called “922 Car-Free Day: Free Buses in Taipei and New Taipei.” The governments said the initiative aims to give people who usually drive cars or ride motorcycles a chance to experience public transport again.

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to let people who are used to driving cars or riding motorcycles have the opportunity to experience public transportation again

But political commentator Chou Hsuan said the plan leaves out the MRT and YouBike, which he described as major forms of public transportation in the two cities. Tourist buses on the Red and Blue lines, intercity buses and other transport services will also not qualify for free travel.

Chou argued that the policy effectively defines public transportation as buses alone. MRT rides, YouBike rentals, intercity buses and tourist buses will still require payment. He also questioned whether spending NT$50 million for a single day can persuade many residents to leave their cars at home, and why the MRT and YouBike were excluded from the event.

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Isn't this ridiculous?