TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —Taipei MRT faces twin challenges of rising labor costs and higher electricity rates, leading to financial losses projected for next year at NT$240 million (US$7.33 million). 

Electricity expenses alone have surged 75% in the past three years, though Taipei MRT decided not to raise fares in 2025. One cost-cutting measure is halving the discount for frequent riders from 70-90% to 85-95%, per TVBS.

Taipei MRT corporate planning head Hu Cheng-lun (胡正倫) said the fare discount for frequent riders had been considered. However, Taipei MRT sought to minimize passenger impact and believed the most suitable option was to adjust the frequent rider discount.

Hu said cutting the discount could affect 300,000 people, though the impact will be minimal. Taipei MRT is also exploring peripheral businesses' income by attracting companies to MRT stations.

Hu said they will try to increase commercial space in Taipei, Zhongshan, Nanjing-Fuxing, and Zhongxiao-Fuxing stations to increase revenue. In addition, Taipei MRT is finding spaces to add digital advertising.

National Cheng Kung University transportation department professor Cheng Yung-hsiang (鄭永祥) believes Taipei MRT must adopt measures to reflect rising costs and maintain reasonable operational expenses. Reducing expenses and engaging in cost-savings may not be realistic. Taipei MRT should copy other rail systems to diversify their income sources, said Cheng.