TRA Announces Major New Policy: 'Islandwide Implementation from August 1'! Ticketing Rules to Change Significantly – Full Details Here

Attention travelers planning summer trips or home visits via Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA)! TRA has announced that to manage the heavy weekend passenger volume during the summer holiday, EMU3000 New Tzu-Chiang trains on the western mainline will suspend free seating sales and switch to a 'full reserved seating' model from Friday to Sunday between August 1 and August 31, 2026.

However, to accommodate passengers with urgent same-day travel needs, TRA has introduced a special measure: a limited 200 standing tickets per train will be available for purchase at station counters and ticket vending machines on the day of travel. This policy aims to balance travel safety with emergency access.

Summary of TRA's Weekend Policy for August

- Implementation Period: August 1 to August 31, 2026 (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) - Affected Routes: Western mainline EMU3000 New Tzu-Chiang trains - Changes: Full elimination of free seating; all trains will operate on a reserved-seat basis - Purpose: To implement total passenger volume control, prevent overcrowding during peak summer weekends, and ensure operational safety and passenger comfort

Frequently Asked Questions and Riding Rules for EMU3000 Standing Tickets

### Q1: How can limited standing tickets be purchased?

On the day of travel, TRA will release a limited 200 standing tickets per train, available at station ticket counters and automated vending machines. Due to limited availability, passengers with urgent travel needs are advised to arrive at the station early.

### Q2: In which carriages can standing ticket holders stand?

Passengers holding standing tickets must follow these carriage rules:

- Permitted Carriages: Cars 1 to 5 and Cars 7 to 12 (standard class) - Strictly Prohibited: Car 6, the 'Teng-Yun Cabin' (business class)

TRA explains that the Teng-Yun Cabin is a premium business-class service area offering exclusive dining and spacious seating. To protect the rights and comfort of business-class passengers, standing ticket holders are strictly prohibited from entering. Additionally, TRA urges standing passengers in standard cars to avoid blocking aisles and boarding/alighting areas.

Penalty of 50% Surcharge for Violations! No Entry with Electronic Tickets or TPASS

TRA emphasizes that all New Tzu-Chiang trains, including EMU3000, are strictly prohibited from being accessed using electronic tickets (including EasyCard, iPASS, and TPASS Commuter Passes) islandwide.

Passengers who board without a valid reserved seat ticket or standing ticket will be required to pay a supplementary fare by the conductor and will incur a 50% surcharge as a penalty. As summer is a peak travel season, popular time slots often sell out instantly. TRA strongly recommends that passengers plan their trips in advance and book tickets early to avoid disruptions and additional costs.