Taiwan's First Anti-Air Pollution Initiative: Kaohsiung MRT Offers Free Public Transport for Three Consecutive Months

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Home, compiled and reported

Based on the "Kaohsiung Winter Public Transport Free Fare Measure" plan formulated by the Kaohsiung Environmental Protection Bureau,from December 1, 2017, to February 28, 2018, to reduce residents' exposure risks and decrease the use of private vehicles, anyone using an electronic payment card to ride city buses, intercity coaches, light rail, as well as the MRT during weekday peak hours (06:30–08:30 and 16:30–18:30), will be eligible for free rides..

The Kaohsiung-Pingtung area is shielded by the Central Mountain Range. During seasons with strong northeast monsoons, being on the leeward side with weak winds leads to poor atmospheric dispersion, making it very prone to suboptimal air quality. According to historical monitoring data, Kaohsiung’s air pollution is most severe from December to February each year. Despite strengthened controls in industrial zones, the public is still encouraged to use public transport.

Influenced by meteorological and geographical factors, Kaohsiung often experiences poor atmospheric dispersion in winter, resulting in suboptimal air quality—especially during peak commuting hours when pollutant concentrations are higher than usual. While other countries (such as Seoul, South Korea) have implemented free public transport during poor air quality periods, this is the first such initiative in Taiwan.
 

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