TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The first train fare hikes in 30 years by Taiwan Railway Corporation will take effect on Monday.

The average increase of 26.8% will not only affect the cost of train travel, but also related services including parcel delivery and the return of lost items, per CNA. The fare increases will be followed by the introduction of new timetables for 386 trains on June 26.

The company emphasized that despite the hikes, traveling by train over long distances would still be cheaper than comparable bus or high-speed rail services.

The fare for local train journeys between Taipei and Keelung is set to rise to NT$62 (US$2.09) from NT$41, Taipei to Taoyuan to NT$63 from NT$42, and Taipei to Hsinchu to NT$163 from NT$114.

A journey between Taipei and Kaohsiung by Tze-Chiang Limited Express train will cost NT$994 for the 363-kilometer trip, up from NT$843. The fare for a trip between Taipei and Hualien will cost NT$583 instead of NT$440, but there will be concessions for residents of Hualien and Taitung.

The Taiwan PASS system promoted by the Tourism Administration will see increases ranging from 5.6% to 31.5%, with the price of an Easy Go pass rising from NT$1,900 to NT$2,500.

The basic rate for lost-and-found items weighing less than 10 kilograms will rise from NT$35 to NT$50, while sending parcels is set to cost NT$100 instead of NT$70 for distances within 300 km.

New rules going into effect Monday will also make it easier for travelers to get their money back if they cancel their trip when a train arrives more than 10 minutes late, no matter what caused the delay.