TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) announced that foreign nationals holding Alien Permanent Resident Certificates (APRC) and a registered address in Taichung are now eligible to apply for the city’s popular “Double Ten” bus discount.
Previously limited to Taichung citizens, the bus fare discount program, introduced in 2021, has been widely embraced by local residents relying on public transportation for their daily commutes, according to a press release.
Taichung Transportation Bureau Director-General Yeh Chao-fu (葉昭甫) said the program was extended to foreign residents starting Jan. 16. Eligible individuals can apply by filling out a form and presenting their APRC and an electronic payment card (EasyCard, iPASS, or iCash) at Taichung City Hall, household registration offices, MRT Green Line stations, or municipal libraries to activate the discounted fare.
Under Mayor Lu’s tenure, the city has taken significant steps to encourage public transportation usage. The Double Ten bus fare discount offers free rides for trips under 10 kilometers and caps fares at NT$10 (US$0.90) for distances over 10 kilometers.
Since its launch in 2021, 1.83 million citizens have applied for the program. City officials report the discount has boosted public transportation use, reduced air pollution, and alleviated parking challenges across Taichung.