Accessible Transportation Facilities
(1) Barrier-Free Facilities at Public Transit Stations
- During the construction of the Taoyuan MRT, various barrier-free facilities were implemented at MRT stations, including ramps, designated parking spaces, automatic fare gates, ticket machines, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
- MRT train cars are equipped with priority seats, dedicated wheelchair spaces, handrails, and fixed wheelchair docking areas to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
- Station staff offer assistance, such as guiding visually impaired passengers, while facilities like electric wheelchair charging stations, dedicated wheelchair waiting areas, tactile guidance tiles, and accessible signage provide self-guidance options for travelers.
- Jingguo Transfer Station
- Jingguo Transfer Station was designed with comprehensive accessibility features, including accessible restrooms, elevators, priority seating, ramps, and parking spaces for vehicles of all types. Additional facilities, such as accessible USB charging stations and low-height service counters, cater to wheelchair users’ daily needs. Station staff also provide support to ensure a seamless experience for passengers, fostering an inclusive environment.
- Accessible Parking Discounts
- Taoyuan City offers a four-hour parking discount for individuals with disabilities and ensures the appropriate ratio of accessible parking spaces in public facilities.
(2) A18 THSR Taoyuan Station Wheelchair and Luggage Auto-Detection System
The “Smart Elevator Calling Service” utilizes advanced image recognition technology to enhance passenger convenience. When passengers with wheelchairs or luggage exit the THSR station at the B1 level, the system identifies them through smart image detection. It then plays voice guidance to direct passengers to the nearest elevator and automatically calls the elevator to the B1 level for immediate use.
This service saves passengers approximately 30 seconds of waiting time per trip and not only reduces elevator wait times but also prevents injuries caused by luggage falls. It significantly improves passenger safety and service quality. The system was officially launched in September 2023 and continues to be optimized based on passenger needs.
Transportation Fare Discounts for Disadvantaged Groups
Taoyuan City continues to offer diverse fare discount programs tailored to the needs of disadvantaged groups, women, children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. These include benefits such as Social Welfare Cards and discounted children’s tickets. Citizens using the Elderly and Disability Citizen Cards are allocated 800 points per year to offset transportation costs. Since January 1, 2022, foreign residents aged 65 and above holding residency permits from any county or city in Taiwan have also been eligible for half-price single-journey tickets on the Airport MRT, further enhancing care and accessibility for senior passengers.
Accessible Transportation Services for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
Recognizing the mobility challenges faced by seniors and individuals with disabilities, Taoyuan City provides inclusive transportation services:
(1) Special Long-Term Care Transport
To meet the medical and rehabilitation needs of seniors with severe disabilities, the City Government offers long-term care vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts. These vehicles provide door-to-door transport for seniors at or above Level 2 in the long-term care system, facilitating trips between their homes and medical facilities. Transportation subsidies are also provided.
(2) Rehabilitation Buses
Rehabilitation buses equipped with wheelchair lifts are available to assist individuals with disabilities in accessing medical appointments, education, employment, and other social activities. These vehicles enhance convenience and promote greater participation in society.
(3) Caring Taxi Fleet
In partnership with private operators, Taoyuan City has established a “Caring Taxi Fleet,” which includes both standard taxis and accessible vehicles designed for passengers using mobility aids. Passengers paying with Taoyuan Citizen Cards (Elderly or Disability Card types) are eligible for partial fare subsidies. The fleet currently consists of 2,621 taxis from eight operators, including 66 accessible vehicles equipped with wheelchair seating areas and ramps or lift devices, allowing wheelchair users to board easily. These services provide diverse and inclusive transportation options.
Improving Transportation Accessibility in Remote Areas
To enhance public transportation services in remote areas, Taoyuan City has increased the frequency of the Daxi-Fuxing (Luofu) mainline bus and introduced the Fuxing District “Happy Bus,” a 9-seater vehicle. Residents in remote areas can make online reservations, offering greater flexibility in travel times and routes.
Currently, approximately 97% of households in Fuxing District’s remote areas are within 500 meters of public transportation access.
Pedestrian Walkway Quality Enhancement Project
Taoyuan City has implemented the Pedestrian Walkway Quality Enhancement Project, prioritizing improvements in central urban areas and high-traffic roads with wide sidewalks. The focus includes removing obstacles, installing accessible ramps, and creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. To promote recycling and reduce carbon emissions, the project uses permeable pavement bricks made from incinerator bottom ash, which significantly reduces waste compared to traditional materials.
Arcade Leveling Initiative
To address issues such as obstructions, uneven surfaces, and illegal parking in arcades, Taoyuan City has implemented the Arcade Leveling Initiative. The project aims to create a pedestrian-friendly and livable city centered on accessibility and walkability. Focusing on key areas such as major commercial districts, transportation hubs, landmarks, and main roads over 30 meters wide, the initiative has leveled approximately 17,009 meters of arcades from 2010 to 2024.
Utility Cable and Pole Undergrounding Project
Taoyuan City is advancing the undergrounding of utility cables and poles in key areas, including commercial districts, redevelopment zones, road widening projects, roads with sidewalks or central dividers, major public infrastructure sites, and coastal disaster prevention zones.
Traffic Calming Zones
(1) Planning Traffic Calming Zones
Taoyuan City has implemented pilot projects in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones, commercial districts, and locations with higher accident rates. Tailored improvement plans are developed based on local traffic conditions. The pilot projects focus on key objectives: speed management, pedestrian safety, and reducing intersection conflicts. Traffic engineering methods, such as lowering vehicle speeds, aim to decrease the frequency and severity of accidents.
(2) People-Centered Friendly 168 Improvement Plan
In April 2025, the plan will be upgraded to the “People-Centered Friendly 168 Plan,” targeting: 167 additional improved pedestrian crossings; 82 new or upgraded striped pedestrian pathways; 81 green corner cut-offs.