U-Bike craze sweeps across Taiwan: New Taipei adds new stations, Pingtung to join next year

▲The U-Bike craze is taking off across Taiwan, bringing changes to both tourism and daily life. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

U-Bike craze sweeps across Taiwan!* The New Taipei City Government plans to set up a public bicycle system compatible with the U-Bike system. It's expected that one station will begin operation in either Xindian or Xizhi by the end of this year. Next year, Pingtung City will also have U-Bikes available for riding. Taoyuan County is currently considering implementing a U-Bike system as well, aiming to allow people to cycle through scenic areas such as Shimen Reservoir and Shimen Mountain.

Currently, New Taipei’s New Bike and Taipei’s U-Bike are different systems with separate rental methods. However, Xindian and Xizhi will be the first to pilot a system compatible with U-Bike. One station in either Xindian or Xizhi is expected to start operation by the end of this year. After these two locations are completed, the Xinzhuang line will be expanded next, followed by Banqiao, which will fully switch to a U-Bike-compatible system. The goal is to gradually increase the number of bikes and stations — starting with 60 stations and 1,600 bicycles, eventually expanding to 300 stations and 8,000 bicycles.

Magistrate Tsao Chi-hung announced on October 30 during his administrative report that after the completion of the railway elevation project, U-Bike will serve as Pingtung City’s “last mile” transportation solution. In the future, visitors arriving in Pingtung City will be able to use U-Bikes to explore various attractions. The Pingtung County Government plans to set up 30 stations and provide at least 1,000 bicycles in downtown Pingtung next year. The aim is not only to boost tourism but also to enhance everyday cycling convenience for residents and tourists alike. The county government also plans to introduce a "one-card pass" similar to Taipei’s YouBike card to streamline the rental process.

Taoyuan County Magistrate Wu Den-yih also pointed out on October 29 that the Taoyuan County Transportation Bureau is currently planning to establish a U-Bike rental system within the county to help residents travel between various scenic spots. Longtan Township in Taoyuan has numerous scenic areas and the highest number of bicycle lanes in the entire county. Plans are underway to introduce U-Bikes there, making it easier and more convenient for citizens to use the bike lanes.