Park and Ride

Transportation in Taipei is now dominated by the subway system(MRT).  I remember when construction started 20 years ago, it seems like useless. But now I am a big supporter. The MRT system covers the whole city and is being built denser and reaching into the suburbs. As it expands, the buses become more convenient so as to compete. Some people like taking the bus as you get a better view of the city. On the other hand, the subways aren't effected by traffic. There is a single Easy Card debit card that is accepted at the MRT, most buses and even taxis. Now getting to the MRT station has lots of possibilities.

Around most MRT station there are "park 'n ride" parking lots but they are for motorcycles/scooters instead of cars.

 

  For cars there are dropoff/pickup places near some MRT stations, you are not to park and wait for your pickup, it's meant for just enough time to stop, kiss the departing and drive away.

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One option is to leave your bike at the MRT station and use it to just reach the station.

 

I guess a lot people have thought of this idea. The City of Taipei has implemented a new system of cheap rental bikes to be checked out. The cost is 0 for the first 30 minutes and then about 35 cents for each additional half hour. The checkouts can be done with the Easy Card or with any credit card that has a electronic chip inside.

 I think the whole point of this scheme is to get more motorcycles off the road. Less pollution, traffic, accidents, ... But old habits are hard to change.

With motorcycles using the sidewalks for parking(and avoiding left hand turns) it's dangerous out there for pedestrians no matter what the signs say.

 

Be safe out the there.