The TPASS monthly transit pass was created to give commuters cheap and convenient access to public transportation. Almost a year on, about 6 million passes have been sold for use in 19 cities and counties, and used more than 400 million times.　To celebrate, the transportation ministry is holding a drawing with the grand prize winner to receive a transit value of NT$15,000.

Premier Chen Chien-jen, transport minister Wang Kwo-tsai and Executive Yuan Secretary-General Li Meng-yen share a stage to celebrate nearly one year with TPASS.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
When my sister’s child returned to Taiwan, they traveled around everywhere. So to them, TPASS was pretty convenient. Not just us Taiwanese, but also international travelers have given good feedback.

Rolled out in July last year, the Cabinet coordinated among local governments to offer different fees depending on region. Today, a total of 6.09 million passes have been sold and used over 400 million times on all types of public transportation.

Wang Kwo-tsai
Transport minister
We at the transport ministry are often criticized for our shortcomings. Only TPASS has been universally praised. We’ve been trying to promote use of public transport. We put in a lot of effort, but even reaching 5% was hard. But now we’ve seen enormous growth of 15.8%.

After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback, Wang said the government is set to continue TPASS. It has also launched a raffle. Users who register on the Highway Bureau website before June 30 will be eligible to win one of 1,000 prizes, the grand prize being NT$15,000 in transit credit.

TPASS user
It’s not bad. I can ride the MRT as much as I want.

TPASS user
The policy is great. I can see the money I’ve saved. I think if its uses could be expanded further, it would be even better.

The response to TPASS has been enthusiastic. In addition to helping saving money, many users hope to see it expanded to encompass more uses in the future.

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