Uber launches motorcycle rides in Beitou, Taipei City Department of Transportation to conduct random checks

(Central News Agency, reporter Chen Yuting, Taipei, July 1) Despite stern warnings from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Taipei City Department of Transportation that this is illegal, Uber launched a free short-distance motorcycle ride experience in Beitou this afternoon. The Department of Transportation stated that it will continue to conduct random checks, and will fine drivers and the platform if violations are found.

Uber announced today that it will launch the "Beitou Short-Distance Cultural Experience" service at 2 p.m., offering free short-distance motorcycle ride experiences. The company hopes to accumulate experience in local short-distance transportation, safety mechanisms, and usage through participant feedback, and gradually explore transportation methods that better meet the needs of the Beitou area.

Reporters actually checked at Taipei Metro Beitou Station and Xinbeitou Station from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Personnel from the Public Transportation Office of the Taipei City Department of Transportation and the Beitou Precinct of the Taipei City Police Department were also present for inspections. No motorcycle ride-hailing activities were found, and there was no "Motorcycle Uber" option on the Uber App.

By 4 p.m., the "Motorcycle Uber" option began to appear on the Uber App. For the route from Beitou Station to Xinbeitou Station, a standard Uber would cost NT$85, while Motorcycle Uber was priced at NT$44. However, it was possible to hail a ride for NT$0. After confirming the selection, a driver accepted the order, and the ride was successfully completed.

The driver who accepted the order stated that the platform encouraged delivery drivers to become drivers for ride-hailing services and participate in the project. He knew that the government does not permit commercial motorcycle ride-hailing, but believed that since the service was free for this month, he was not worried about being fined.

The Public Transportation Office stated that the service area for Uber's "Beitou Short-Distance Cultural Experience" is approximately a 5-kilometer radius around Beitou Station, Xinbeitou Station, and the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. They will continue to conduct random checks, and will fine drivers and the platform according to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act once violations are discovered.

The Public Transportation Office stated that a motorcycle driver's first violation of carrying passengers will result in a fine of NT$100,000 and the suspension of their vehicle license plate and driver's license, with a maximum fine of NT$200,000. The platform operator will be fined NT$100,000 for the first violation, with a maximum fine of NT$25 million.

The Public Transportation Office emphasized that it strongly condemns any illegal operating models that circumvent laws and disrupt market order, and will not tolerate any operator evading current laws under the guise of testing, experience, or other names. They urge platforms and drivers not to harbor侥幸 (jiǎoxìng -侥幸) and to test the law.

Chen Yen-po, Vice Minister of Transportation and Communications, stated today that the current Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act does not permit motorcycles to be used as commercial passenger transport vehicles. Uber's planned operating method is illegal. Even if the operator claims it is an experience and does not charge fees, it should still be judged based on the nature of its commercial operations. He supports the Taipei City Government in imposing fines according to the law. (Editor: Hsiao Po-wen) 1150701

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