MRT Stations Offer More Than Restrooms! Taipei Metro Reveals 6 Hidden Free Services That Even Foreigners Find Amazing

Beyond its reputation for punctuality and safety, Taipei Metro harbors numerous thoughtful services within its stations. Following recent praise from foreign travelers highlighting six convenient facilities, Taipei Metro Company has now officially announced six additional 'hidden' services that many passengers were previously unaware of. These include free sanitary pads, vomit bags, AI-powered smart customer service, multilingual guidance, and fast mobile charging—aiming to enhance the commuting and tourism experience for all.

Foreign Travelers Praise Taipei Metro as 'Like a Convenience Store'

A foreign traveler recently shared that Taipei Metro stations not only provide restrooms at every stop but also offer sanitary product vending machines, lockers, postal services, and public phones. Combined with cultural exhibits, orderly queuing culture, and announcements in Mandarin, English, Japanese, and Korean, he described Taipei Metro as "like a large convenience store."

In response, Taipei Metro stated that beyond these well-known features, there are many practical yet underappreciated services available at stations, aiming to make every MRT station a trusted life partner for citizens and visitors alike.

1. Multilingual Services: Scan QR Code for Instant Travel Information

To assist international travelers, Taipei Metro provides an electronic 'Taipei Metro Operational Information Brochure' in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean. Passengers can scan the QR code displayed on the glass at station inquiry counters to quickly access information on ticket purchasing, operating hours, and travel guidelines.

Additionally, automated ticket vending and recharge machines support up to 12 language interfaces, making ticket purchases and top-ups convenient for international visitors. The upgraded 'Station Master ALAN' card inquiry kiosks offer displays in 10 languages, including English, Japanese, and Korean.

Moreover, as of June 2024, Japanese and Korean station name announcements have been fully implemented across all train lines. Current arrival announcements are made in the following order: Mandarin, English, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Hakka. Station name signage on platforms now also includes Japanese and Korean text.

2. 24-Hour AI Smart Customer Service: Report Lost Items and Incidents

Taipei Metro's AI-powered customer service is integrated with the lost-and-found system. Travelers can use a text-based chatbot to inquire about lost items. If the item hasn't been found, they can immediately register a search request without calling the customer service hotline.

The AI service also includes a 'General Incident Reporting' function. If passengers encounter issues at stations or on trains—such as spilled drinks or equipment malfunctions—they can instantly contact the customer service and operations control centers via text. Recently, an AI voice customer service feature has been added, accessible via the Taipei Metro official website and the 'Taipei Metro Go' app.

3. Promoting Menstrual Equity: Free Sanitary Pads Available at 20 Stations

Starting July 2025, Taipei Metro has expanded its free sanitary product service to inquiry counters at all MRT stations. Passengers with urgent needs can request them for free from station staff.

Sanitary pad vending machines remain available near restrooms at each station, offering two pads for NT$10. Restrooms are also fully equipped with toilet seat sanitizing fluid, toilet paper, and emergency call buttons.

4. Vomit Bags Available for Unwell Passengers: Maintaining Station Cleanliness

Passengers who suddenly feel unwell during their journey can obtain vomit bags from station inquiry counters to prevent messes in trains and stations.

Taipei Metro reminds passengers that if vomiting occurs, they should immediately notify station staff or use the intercom on trains so cleaning personnel can respond promptly. It is also recommended that intoxicated or unwell individuals be accompanied by friends or family when using public transportation.

5. System-Wide Fast Charging Upgrade: Supports Type-A and Type-C

To enhance service quality, Taipei Metro has been upgrading all 284 charging stations across its 117 stations to fast-charging specifications, supporting both Type-A and Type-C connectors.

After the upgrade, the maximum output reaches 60 watts. Passengers need only bring their own charging cables to quickly recharge fast-charging-compatible smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

6. Punctuality and Reliability Continue to Improve: Best Record Since Inauguration

Beyond convenience services, Taipei Metro maintains a high level of operational reliability. According to the latest full-year data, in 2025 there were only six incidents causing delays of over five minutes. The system's operational reliability (MKBF) reached 19.678 million car-kilometers, the second-best in history, with a reliability rate of 99.9995%.

In the previous year, 2024, there were only five delay incidents, with MKBF reaching 23.009 million car-kilometers—the best record since the system's launch.

Taipei Metro stated that it will continue to prioritize passenger needs, leveraging smart technology and thoughtful services to create a more convenient and inclusive travel environment, striving toward its vision of 'A World-Class Metro, A Better Taipei.'

Source: Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation, 'Latest Announcement on Free Sanitary Products,' 'Taipei Metro 2025 Annual Operational Performance Report'

Editor: Li Yi-Ching