High-speed rail introduces new off-peak weekday discount      Officially launches in March 2014

▲ The high-speed rail launched a new discount on the 17th. From mid-March 2014, a 92% discount on standard class full fares applies to designated time slots from Monday to Thursday. The image above is a schematic of the high-speed rail. (Photo / Taken from Wikipedia)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

After Taiwan High-Speed Rail raised its fares this October, many people who frequently travel between northern and southern Taiwan voiced their discontent. On the 17th, the high-speed rail finally announced a new discount. Starting from March 13, 2014, a “92% discount on standard class full fares for designated off-peak weekday train services” will be offered. From Monday to Sunday each week, passengers can enjoy a 92% discount when purchasing full-price standard class tickets for trains departing from Taipei, Taichung, or Zuoying during the specified periods of 9:00 AM to 11:36 AM and after 8:00 PM.

Tickets for the “92% discount on standard class full fares for designated off-peak weekday train services” can be pre-purchased starting February 14, 2014. Unlike the early bird discount, which requires booking 8 to 28 days in advance, this discount is also applicable for on-site purchases on the day of travel. Taking the “Taipei–Kaohsiung” route as an example, the original standard class fare is NT$1,630, which will be discounted to NT$1,495, saving NT$270 for a round trip.

According to an assessment by the high-speed rail operator, after the introduction of the 92% off-peak weekday discount, 172 trains per day—about one-third of all services—will be eligible. Although the discounted price is still NT$5 more than the pre-fare-hike rate, it is estimated that 29% of daily ridership will benefit from this offer. Additionally, the early bird discount will be extended until December 31, 2014.