By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department
The name-based ticketing system for eastern Taiwan railway lines, a matter of great concern to residents and travelers in Hualien and Taitung, has been announced for trial by Taiwan Railways. The previous issue of extremely limited ticket availability during holidays on these routes is expected to be further alleviated.
Trial run of name-based return trains for eastern Taiwan residents during Taiwan Railways' holiday season. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yingying)
Regarding public interest in the trial plan for the name-based return train service for eastern Taiwan residents, apart from including the name-based system for eastern Taiwan in the current six-month review process, Taiwan Railways has scheduled a trial during selected services over this year's Dragon Boat Festival holiday period. The outcomes will be used for evaluation and analysis.
(1) Name-based Ticketing Arrangements:
1. Designated Date Services: One painted Puyuma train each on June 9th (downbound: Shulin → Taipei → Taitung, Train No. 5234 departing Taipei at 7:43 AM) and June 12th (upbound: Taitung → Taipei → Shulin, Train No. 5245 departing Taitung at 2:45 PM).
2. Ticket Sales Dates, Times, and Stations: Starting at 6:00 AM on June 1st, tickets will be sold manually at designated windows at eight stations — Shulin, Banqiao, Taipei, Songshan, Hualien, Yuli, Guanshan, and Taitung — until sold out.
3. Ticket Purchase Method: Passengers must present an ID document starting with U or V to purchase tickets. Each ID allows the purchase of one round-trip ticket (one outbound and one return), and each person may use up to three different ID documents for purchasing, with no duplicate purchases allowed.
(2) Taiwan Railways Supplementary Regulations:
1. Ticket Marking: Tickets will be stamped with the last three digits of the ID number beginning with U or V for identification purposes.
2. Inspection Method: Train conductors may check passengers' ID documents when verifying tickets on board.
Additionally, detailed schedules for all stops, as well as related ticketing and inspection regulations, will be finalized and announced by Taiwan Railways before ticket sales begin.