Taxi Drivers Hope for Fare Hike; Minister Chen Shih-kai Says Assistance Will Be Provided

(CNA, Taipei, June 9, by reporter Yu Hsiao-han) The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced yesterday that it would extend its price stabilization measures for public transport for another six months and increase subsidies for taxis to NT$15,000. However, some drivers are hoping for a direct fare increase instead. Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai responded that fares are the responsibility of local governments, but he would provide assistance to drivers if needed.

In response to rising oil prices due to the war in the Middle East, the MOTC, in coordination with the Executive Yuan's policy, has introduced measures to stabilize fares for highway buses, domestic shipping, and domestic aviation, along with providing fuel subsidies for taxis.

Minister Chen Shih-kai, speaking to the media today after attending a blessing ceremony for the "National Freeway No. 1 Northbound Taipei and Yuanshan Interchange Improvement Project" and the "National Freeway No. 1 Yuanshan Bridge Life Extension and Reinforcement Project," stated that the total budget for the increased taxi subsidy program would be around NT$1.3 billion. He noted that the amounts for other transport modes differ due to different subsidy methods, and the overall budget is still under discussion with the Executive Yuan.

Regarding the proposal by Liu Hung-chang, chairman of the National Union of Automobile Drivers' Rights, to directly raise fares, Minister Chen responded that the authority for taxi fares lies with local governments. He said that associations can submit their requests to and communicate with local governments, and if the MOTC's help is needed, it will provide necessary assistance.

Additionally, concerning the recent heavy rains, Minister Chen said that this plum rain front could bring disastrous downpours. Therefore, two days ago, he ordered all bureaus and subordinate units of the MOTC to prepare for disaster prevention and response. This morning, highway sections in the south, such as Provincial Highway 20 and mountainous areas of Kaohsiung, have already been preemptively closed, and the Taiwan Railways Administration has established a level-two emergency response team. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150609