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Saturday, January 22, 2011

Taiwan Railway Administration Bicycle Policy (Full): Putting Your Bike On The Rails














With Lunar New Year just days away, I thought I would give my loyal readers a gift from the heart. No, not a red envelope or 7-11 booze...

Bike-Train Information!!!!

Cycling around Taiwan is often very convenient and also very rewarding. Still, one of the major gripes a cycling traveler can have here is the lack of any information in English on putting bikes on trains. There is a good reason for this. The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) has buried a very comprehensive bicycle policy beneath mountains of rules and red tape that makes accurately understanding it almost impossible.

Nobody wants to translate it because nobody, not even the locals, can make heads or tails of it. I have even been to train stations where the person at the ticket counter and the person at the ticket gate have wildly different interpretations of the bicycle policy.

Well... here it is.

My wife and I have set out to try to make heads or tails of this policy and hopefully take some of the headache and frustration out of your next bicycle excursion where bike meets train.

This can be especially valuable in allowing people greater access to the far away places that may be too far for a day ride.

The information below may be subject to change so please check with the TRA before making reservations.

In most cases I used the Hanyu Pinyin spelling system, but I left the local spellings for major destinations. My spelling may vary from other posted spellings so stay alert.

Any guesses how long it will take before this translation makes its way to the TRA?

Have fun and ride safe!

1. Go to website: http://163.29.3.98/twrail_bicycle/bicycle/index.aspx

2. Choose 自行車種類。(Type of bicycles)

· 折疊式 Folding bikes)

· 非折疊式 Non folding bikes)

· 折疊式以及非折疊式 Folding bikes and Non Folding bikes )

· 10車以上 ( 10 or more 10 bikes)

3. Choose 起程站 (From: Choose a station you board)

4. Choose 到達站 ( To: Choose your destination)

5. Choose 乘車日期 (Date)

6. Choose 乘車時間 (Time: Choose a period time you are thinking about taking the train)

7. Choose 開始查詢(Start searching)

Understanding icons:

Trains with the following four icons offer bike on board services:


Shipping Bikes as Freight: (pick up at the station)

The service is available to both folding bike and non folding bikes.

Also Check Out:




Rules For Carrying Non-folding Bikes on Trains:

1. Due to the limited space, the number of bikes is limited. Make sure to make a reservation in advance.

2.In the limited trains that allow bikes on board, only certain stations allow bikes to get on and off. Some stations do not allow bikes to get on.

3. The TRA is not responsible for the safety of the bike. Bike owners are responsible if the bike is lost or damaged.




Shared Bike & Passenger Trains

Additional Information: On Bike & Passenger Together Trains, bike owners can be seated in the car where the bikes are parked in racks. At the time being, there are only two trains daily that provide this service, which are No. 274 & No. 275 Chu-Kuang Trains. Each train offers 15 seats for cyclists and 15 spaces for bicycles.


How to book tickets for Bike & Passenger Trains:


1. Go to the TRA website: http://railway.hinet.net/ , and book online. Reservations can be made 12 days before departure.


2. Bicycle and passenger tickets must be purchased together. (No. 274 & 275 Chu-Kuang Trains )

3. Once reservation is made, you must go to train stations with computer ticketing services to get your tickets. Tell the people at the counter what kind of tickets you are purchasing: adult, child, senior citizen, or charity (disadvantaged person). The staff at the counter will sell you tickets according to your reservation. No. 274 & 275 Chu-Kuang Trains can be reserved online but cannot be paid online. The reserved tickets cannot be purchased at post offices or automatic ticket vending machines.


4. Processing fee for refunding tickets of No. 274 & 275 Chu-Kuang Trains is 26 dollars. Each passenger 13 dollars, each bike 13 dollars)

5. No. 274 & 275 Chu-Kuang Trains run Friday through Monday.


Additional Information


1. Taipei Train Station does not permit un-bagged bikes to get on and off trains. Therefore, tickets for No. 274 & 275 Chu-Kuang Trains taking off from Taipei station are not available for sale.

2. Because some station lack relevant equipments to allow bikes to come in or out of the station. If you need additional help to guide you through the station, please call TRA’s customer service number: 0800-765-888(landline phone only), 02-23702727.


3. If you are traveling with a group of other riders, you can apply for an additional car. Each car needs to have at least 15 passengers and 15 bikes, the fee for the car is calculated with the base estimate of 100 kms. The authority to grant the application is entirely up to the TRA, which will make it’s judgment based on the availability of trains and the availability of stations that allow bikes to enter and leave stations.


Information about Taipei Route:

Stations that allow bikes to get on and off trains:

基隆 Keelung、八堵 Badu、七堵 Xidu、汐止 Xizhi、南港 Nangang、松山 Songshan、萬華、Banciao、Shulin、鶯歌 Yingge、桃園 Taoyuan、中壢 Zhongli、埔心 Puxin、楊梅 Yangmei、富岡 Fugang、湖口 Hukou、新豐 Xinfu、竹北 Zhubei、新竹 Xinzhu。

Trains that allow bikes to get on and off trains in the Taipei route:



Information about Taichung Route:

Stations that allow bikes to get on and off trains:

竹南 Zhunan、【mountain route:苗栗 Miaoli、銅鑼 Tongluo、三義 Sanyi、后里 Houli、豐原 Fengyuan、潭子 Tanzi、臺中 Taiching、新烏日 Xin Wuer】、彰化 Changhua、員林 Yuanlin、社頭 Shetou、田中 Tianzhong、二水 Ershui、【ocean route:後龍 Houlong、白沙屯 Baishatun、通霄 Tongxiao、苑裡 Yuanli、大甲 Tachia、清水 Chingshui、沙鹿 Shalu】。

Trains that allow bikes to get on and off trains in the Taichung route:




Information about Kaohsiung Route:

Stations that allow bikes to get on and off trains:

林內 Linnei、斗六 Douliu、斗南 Dounan、大林 Dalin、民雄 Minxiong、嘉義 Chiayi、新營 Xinying、隆田 Longtian、善化 Shanhua、新市 Xinshe、永康 Yongkang、臺南 TainanBaoan、中洲 Zhongzhou、大湖 Dahu、路竹 Luzhu、岡山 Gangshan、橋頭 Qiaotou、楠梓 Nanzi、新左營高雄 Xinzuoying-Kaohsiung、鳳山 Fengshan、九曲堂 Jiucitang、屏東 Pingtung、潮州 Chaozhou、南州 Nanzhou、林邊 Linbian、枋寮 Fangliao

Trains that allow bikes to get on and off trains in the Kaosung route:



Information about Ilan Route:

Stations that allow bikes to get on and off trains:

瑞芳 Ruifamg、雙溪 Shuangxi、福隆 Fulong、頭城 Toucheng、礁溪 Jiaoxi、宜蘭 Iilan、羅東 Luodong、冬山 Dongshan、蘇澳新 New Suao Station、蘇澳 Suao、東澳 Dongao、南澳 Nanao

Trains that allow bikes to get on and off trains in the Ilan route:



Information about Hualien Route:

Stations that allow bikes to get on and off trains:

和平 Heping、新城 Xincheng、花蓮 Hualien、吉安 Ji-an、壽豐 Shoufeng、鳳林 Fenglin、光復 Guanghou、瑞穗 Ruisui、玉里 Yuli、池上 Chishang、關山 Guanshan、臺東 Taidong、知本 Zhiben、太麻里 Taimali

Trains that allow bikes to get on and off trains in the Hualien route:



Rules For Carrying Folding Bikes On Trains:

1. 須完全置入攜車袋,車子無裸露。

You need to put the whole bike in a bag. No parts of the bike can be exposed.

2. 不另行收費。

There is no surcharge for folding bikes.

3. 區間車、區間快、普快車(以車不離身方式攜帶)。

Folding bikes are allowed on all local trains.

4. PP自強號(限置放於第12車自行車置放區,不得隨身攜帶)。另自行車置放區容量有限,放滿為止。

Folding bikes are allowed on the Chu-Kuang Class Express Train (only the PP trains), but the bikes must be placed in the special bike storage area in Car 12. Due to the limited space, the number of bikes is limited. You must make a reservation first.

5. DMU自強號、莒光號、復興號(放置車廂中不影響動線之適當空間)。逢連續假期疏運期間,另行公告暫停開放。

Folding bikes are allowed on the Tsu-Chiang Class Express ( DMU trains), Chu-Kuang Class Express Trains, Fu Hsing trains. However, policies for fold up bikes are subject to change during holidays. Please check with the TRA website.

6. 進入剪票處前須先將自行車置入攜車袋,出收票處前不得將自行車自攜車袋取出

Bikes must be placed in a bike bag before passing the ticket gate. After getting off train, bikes are not allowed to be taken out of the bag before leaving the station.

7.搭乘非開放車種或未依規定攜帶,將以「1輛自行車比照1名全票旅客」方式補收搭乘區間全額票價。

If bikes are allowed on the trains that have yet to be specified for bicycles, bike owners will be required to pay full passenger fares for each bike and for the distance the bike travels.

8.需自負自行車保管責任。並請隨時注意其他旅客進出車廂,禮讓進出動線,以免妨礙其他旅客。

Bike owners need to be responsible for the bike’s safety. Please be cautious with passengers getting on and off trains. Yield when passengers need to get off trains. Avoid disturbing other passengers.


Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) Bicycle Policy:

Taiwan High Speed Rail Website

All HSR trains allow bikes on board, as long as the bike is bagged and not longer than 150 cm, and the total length of its height and width should not be over 220 cm. The weight of the bike should not be heavier than 40 kg. The bagged bicycles should be stowed in the forward or aft luggage compartment.

Taiwan in Cycles recommends purchasing the more expensive Business Class tickets as there is more space behind the rear seats to store a bike without having to worry about the bike getting crushed by luggage.


Taipei Mass Rapid Transit (MRT):



The Taipei MRT allows unlimited access for folding bikes and bagged bikes. Unbagged bicycles have limited access to the MRT on weekends and holidays (though Taiwan In Cycles does not recommend going through the hassle). Access on weekends is available at 67 stations:

High-capacity lines will be closed to bicycles, including: Tamsui Station, Shipai Station, Jiantan Station, Taipei Main Station, National Taiwan University Hospital Station, Guting Station, Zhongxiao-Fuxing Station, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station and Fu Jen University Station. All stations on the medium-capacity Wenshan-Neihu Line will also be closed to bicycles.

Unbagged bikes will be charged an additional NT80. All ticket purchases must be made at the ticket counter. Unbagged bicycles are restricted to the first and last cars on the MRT train. Only 2 bicycles per train car. One bicycle per person (Yes, that is a written rule). Tickets can be purchased at the MRT stations’ information booths. The bicycle’s dimensions should not exceed 180x120x70cm.

Bicycles can only be brought aboard either the first or the last train compartments. No more than two bikes can be placed next to a given entry point on these train compartments, and bicycles cannot be parked on the space designated for disabled passengers. Folding bikes can be treated as carry-on luggage.



Kaohsiung Rapid Transit (KRT) Bicycle Policy:

KRT Website

All folding bikes are allowed. Bicycle dimensions must be under 205cm with wheels under 20". Bikes that fit this description may ride for no extra charge. All bicycles must use ramps or elevators.

Bagged bikes are also unrestricted.

Non-folding bikes must be under 120cm tall and no longer than 180cm in length and no wider than 70cm. Non-folding bikes may take trains Monday through Friday between 10:00am to 4:00pm. On holidays bikes are allowed between 6:00am and 1:00pm and also 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

The total fare for rider and bicycle is NT100 with unlimited distance. All bikes must be stored in the first four cars as pictured below. Each car allows one bicycle. All bikes must be situated next to the pole.

All tickets must be purchased at the ticket counter.











Bike Transport On Busses:

http://blog.yam.com/ken0968/article/10295073

Bikes can also take 國光號 (Guoguang Bus). Folding bikes are free, and non folding bikes are half price. If you are traveling with a folding bike, just notify the bus driver in advance. If you are traveling with a non folding bike. Make sure it is not taller than 100 cm. Also, the bus company is not responsible for the safety or damage of your bike during the bus ride.


Now nobody can say I have never done anything for Taiwan. Happy riding!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Cycling Links with Video


Enjoy this funny video from the Netherlands where cars have been replaced with bikes.


Taiwan Links:
Tour Down Under:

The cycling season is starting up again marked by the Tour Down Under. So far the big sprinters are suffering with Mark Cavendish destroying more bikes in a spectacular crash.

World Links:
  • Is God too big to dope? With growing evidence against him, CBS Sports seems to think so.
  • Astronaut makes space flight look as easy as riding a bike... until he falls off his bike and misses his shuttle launch.
  • Teen phenom killed during training. Olympic dreams cut short in crash with vehicle.
  • Carla Stewart killed in South Africa. Female cycling sensation hit by truck while turning to pick up her cycling computer.
  • Copenhagenize says BAN CYCLING... in winter.
  • LA looks at immigrants as part of the cycling community. Much like Taiwan's own Foreign Workers.
  • Floyd Landis retires from cycling to become a professional skeptic.
  • After calling out professional cycling for its excessive culture of doping, and leveling charges against his former teammates that have resulted in a federal investigation into the former members of the United States Postal Service teams... Floyd Landis would like to legalize doping.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Government Sights Trained on Bicycle Transport


According to a report in the United Daily News, Taiwan's government is finally ready to address the urgent need for trains with bicycle carrying capabilities. The need for bike trains has become increasingly important as Taiwan's government has made cycling tourism one of the six pillars of its tourism plan.

The article reports that the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is poised to procure new train cars for its local commuter trains, enabling each train to hold up to eight bicycles.

The first train cars are scheduled to arrive in September 2012, followed by a second batch of train cars by 2015. The plan expects to put 296 new bicycle equipped train cars into service around Taiwan and increase ridership for both bikes and trains.

Anything would be an improvement at this point. Under the current system you must apply to bring a bike on board and then you just rest it against the wall with everyone else. At your stop you practically have to beat the rest of the passengers over the head with your bicycle to exit.

Unfortunately, the new trains won't go into effect soon enough.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Blame The Victim: Nanny State Gives Riders Nothing But The Stink of The Onus


The China Post is reporting that New Taipei City has come up with some new rules to "help" cyclists survive on their daily rides and commutes. The article in full says:

The New Taipei City Government yesterday submitted a proposal to the Cabinet-level Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) requiring local bike makers to install warning bells and lights on their products to better safeguard the safety of consumers.

The NTC government filed the proposal based on findings that the failure to install warning bells and lights on bikes had led to serious traffic accidents in the city.
Statistics compiled by the NTC department of transportation showed that of the 9 serious traffic accidents involving bicycles, eight riders died, and another 1,226 bike-related traffic accidents left as many as 1,815 people injured in 2010.
NTC transportation officials said that according to traffic safety rules, bicycles should be fitted with a brake system, a ringing bell, lights, and a light-reflecting device, and riders of bikes without those accessories would be subject to a fine of NT$180 if found.
Accordingly, the officials last week held a meeting with representatives of four leading local bike suppliers, namely Giant, Merida, Pacific Cycles, KHS Bikes to discuss how to reinforce safety instruction on riding bicycles. At the meeting, the bike suppliers stressed that it should be up to the central government to work out a set of uniform specifications concerning the lights, bells and other necessary devices, and that the resultant additional costs may be passed onto to consumers.

Aside from selling bikes that look like Pee Wee Herman's, the New Taipei Government is taking a completely backward approach to the problem of keeping riders safe on Taiwan's streets.

The overall conclusion of the report is flawed to the extent that it could only have originated higher up the policy making chain of command.



The NTC government filed the proposal based on findings that the failure to install warning bells and lights on bikes had led to serious traffic accidents in the city.
Bingo! Great detective work Holmes. If only those bicycles had been equipped with bells and lights they would have surely avoided the truck that ran the red light. The weaving taxi would have taken notice and and yielded to the old woman. Maybe if that recreational rider had only used a slide whistle, that speeding car driving in front of the school would have taken notice.

Yes, blame the bicycle. It is easier than actually enforcing traffic laws. Enforcing traffic laws can be messy and you don't want police officers wasting their time enforcing laws when they are not breaking them as that might create an uncomfortable situation for both the driver and the cop where harmony might be broken. Someone might get upset and... lose face.


...bicycles should be fitted with a brake system, a ringing bell, lights, and a light-reflecting device, and riders of bikes without those accessories would be subject to a fine of NT$180 if found.
Fine the cyclist. They are easier to stop anyways.

Accordingly, the officials last week held a meeting with representatives of four leading local bike suppliers, namely Giant, Merida, Pacific Cycles, KHS Bikes to discuss how to reinforce safety instruction on riding bicycles.
What is even more flawed about this approach is the classic paternalistic top-down method used in dealing with bicycle affairs. Who does the government go to? They go to the manufacturer. Taiwan's cycling policies tend to originate in contact between the manufacturers and the government... and not between the government and the riders they seek to legislate. Rider's are rarely, if ever, a part of the conversation.

It is far easier to simply blame cyclists for their injuries than to come up with actual fixes.

If New Taipei really wants to do something radical to protect cyclists they can start by simply listening to us.

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