Taxi Fuel Subsidy Increased to NT$15,000; Chen Shih-kai: Payment by June 16

(Central News Agency, reporter Yu Xiaohan, Taipei, June 9) The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced yesterday the extension of public transport fare stabilization measures for six months and an increase in taxi subsidies to a maximum of NT$15,000. MOTC Minister Chen Shih-kai visited taxi drivers yesterday and stated that registered drivers will have the funds deposited by June 16.

In response to rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict, the MOTC, in line with Executive Yuan policy, has proposed fare stabilization measures for highway buses, domestic ships, and domestic airlines, and has introduced fuel subsidies for taxis.

MOTC Minister Chen Shih-kai visited the Jianguo Taxi Service Station in Taipei City last night to comfort the station staff and drivers. He announced to taxi drivers an additional NT$9,000, raising the maximum fuel subsidy from NT$6,000 to NT$15,000, which can be used until December 31 of this year.

Chen stated that international oil prices continue to fluctuate, and for taxi drivers operating daily, the increase in refueling costs is the most direct operational pressure. He said the MOTC understands the hardships of frontline drivers and, in coordination with the Executive Yuan's policy to stabilize people's livelihoods, has increased the taxi fuel subsidy to help alleviate burdens and ensure stable operations during the period of oil price volatility.

Chen explained that the subsidy method remains a discount of NT$5 per liter, and the subsidy quota can be used until December 31 of this year. Registered taxis do not need to reapply; the additional subsidy amount will be directly deposited, expected to be completed by June 16. Unregistered vehicles can obtain a maximum subsidy of NT$15,000 after completing registration.

According to statistics, as of June 5, out of approximately 90,000 eligible taxis nationwide, 72,725 have completed subsidy registration, a registration rate of over 80%. (Editor: Li Xizhang) 1150609