TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei City Urban Regeneration Office said Thursday that its program subsidizing elevator installations in older apartment buildings has reached 100 cases.

To extend the lifespan of older buildings and address the needs of elderly residents and those with limited mobility, the program relaxed its requirements last year. Under the new rules, if more than half of a building's unit owners agree, a representative can apply, per CNA.

The initiative has boosted public participation, with 19 applications received last year alone, the URO noted. It highlighted the growing interest among residents in installing elevators to improve accessibility in aging apartment complexes.

The milestone 100th installation took place in a 30-year-old apartment building off Zhongxiao East Road in Section 5. Residents coordinated efforts through their management committee to secure funding and navigate the application process, resulting in improved access for all.

The community's management chairperson, supported by enthusiastic residents, overcame challenges, including persuading first-floor occupants to partially demolish their property for elevator installation. Available space near the stairwell made the project feasible.

Six additional buildings in the same community have applied for subsidies. Details about eligibility and application procedures are available on the URO's website.