TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hsinchu City Government said Tuesday it will introduce a Youbike subsidy from Wednesday, making the first 30 minutes of standard bike rides free.
CNA reported that the city will provide a NT$10 (31 cents) subsidy per ride. This will fully cover the cost of standard bikes for the first 30 minutes and reduce electric-assisted bike fees to NT$10 for the same period.
Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao (高虹安) said the policy aims to ease commuting costs and encourage green transportation. She added that the city’s population has surpassed 455,000, increasing demand for more efficient public transport.
Kao said the subsidy is part of broader efforts to build a more sustainable and convenient urban transport system. She said the city hopes more residents will choose bicycles for short-distance travel.
The city’s Transportation Department said around 500 new bikes will be added, including 350 standard bikes and 150 electric-assisted units. It will also install 50 new stations, bringing the total number of Youbike stations to 165, per Hakka News.
Officials said improvements will be made at busy stations to reduce congestion during peak hours. More parking docks will be installed, and staff will be deployed to manage bike distribution.
UDN reported that the current rate is NT$10 per 30 minutes for standard bikes and NT$20 for electric-assisted bikes. Officials said the subsidy is expected to increase usage, improve convenience, and support environmental goals.
