Toll-Free High-Occupancy and Partial Ramp Closures During Dragon Boat Festival Holiday: Key Times and Routes

According to Central News Agency, the 2024 Dragon Boat Festival holiday will run from June 19 to 21. The Central Weather Bureau forecasts hot weather across Taiwan during the holiday, with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Travelers are advised to check real-time traffic updates before departure.

On highways, the Freeway Bureau predicts peak southbound traffic on the first two days (June 19–20) and peak northbound traffic on the last two days (June 20–21). High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) restrictions (2+ passengers) will be enforced on northbound entrance ramps at Su'ao, Luodong, Yilan, and Toucheng interchanges on National Highway No. 5 (NH5) on June 20 and 21.

To alleviate congestion during peak hours, southbound entrance ramps on National Highway No. 1 (NH1) and NH5 will be temporarily closed on June 19 and 20. Similarly, northbound entrance ramps on NH1 and National Highway No. 3 (NH3) will be closed on June 20 and 21.

During the holiday, toll collection will be suspended from 00:00 to 05:00 daily, with single-rate pricing applied. Additionally, the section of NH3 between Hsinchu System and Yanchao System will enjoy an extra 20% discount on top of the single rate (i.e., 80% of standard toll).

On general roads, the Directorate General of Highways has identified 18 congestion-prone sections, including the Danjiang Bridge area on Provincial Highway 61. The public is encouraged to use public transportation. The westbound Nanziao ramp on Highway 68 will prohibit left turns onto Highway 15 southbound starting at 22:00 on June 18. Partial traffic controls will also be implemented on the Su-Hua Corridor (Highway 9) and the Southern Cross-Island Highway.

To promote public transit use, 85 intercity express bus routes will offer a 40% discount. Users registered with TPASS 2.0 who take 2–3 trips in the month receive an additional 15% cashback; those taking 4 or more trips receive 30% cashback. Combined with the initial discount, this results in up to a 58% effective discount (i.e., 42% of original fare).

Moreover, passengers transferring to local buses within 10 hours of riding express buses, TRA trains, or THSR using an electronic ticket will enjoy free basic fare or one segment. Additionally, 50 designated 'Happy Bus' routes will be free of charge.