YouBike 'Friendly Relay' program to launch nationwide July 1

Starting July 1, Taiwan will implement the YouBike 2.0 "Friendly Relay" program nationwide, expanding a pilot initiative that has been tested in New Taipei, Taipei, and Taoyuan cities during the first half of the year. The program aims to alleviate the common problem of rental stations being either completely full or entirely empty during peak hours.

According to Lai Yu-ru, a technology specialist at the New Taipei City Department of Transportation, YouBike members do not need to register separately for the program. By simply walking a bit further or riding a short additional distance during their regular commutes, users can assist in regulating the number of bikes at stations and earn rewards.

The "Friendly Relay" program operates daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Members who borrow a YouBike 2.0 from a station marked as full (indicated in red on the official app) or return a bike to a station marked as empty (indicated in orange) will receive a 5 NTD electronic ride coupon. Similarly, borrowing an electric-assisted YouBike 2.0E from a full station also earns the 5 NTD coupon, as it frees up a parking space for the next user.

Each member account can receive a maximum of two rewards within a 10-minute period. The ride coupons are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, with the official app providing a reminder 15 days before expiration. Further details about the program can be found on the YouBike New Taipei City official website or by contacting their customer service at (02) 89791122.

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The plan will be expanded nationwide starting at 6 a.m. on July 1.