More Than Just Restrooms! Taipei Metro Reveals '7 Hidden Free Services' — Super Convenient, Even Foreigners Are Amazed

Taipei Metro is widely trusted for its high punctuality rate and clean, safe riding environment. Recently, a foreign traveler shared on social media the metro's various convenient facilities, expressing astonishment that stations offer not only clean restrooms and lockers but also sanitary product vending, postal services, and public phones. With announcements in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, along with orderly queuing culture, the traveler exclaimed, "Taipei Metro is like a giant convenience store." In response to this praise, Taipei Metro Company has officially revealed six lesser-known "hidden services" to showcase its thoughtful and comprehensive support.

Taipei Metro emphasizes that the metro system is not just an essential commuting tool but also aims to make every station a trusted life partner for citizens and international visitors. From emergency response and tech support to meeting diverse user needs, stations are equipped with corresponding measures.

Free Service 1: Multilingual Support — Scan QR Code for Travel Information

To build a more welcoming international tourism environment, Taipei Metro has enhanced its language services. Foreign travelers can access electronic versions of the "Taipei Metro Operational Information Brochure" in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean. By scanning the QR code on the glass at station inquiry counters, passengers can quickly view ticketing methods, operating hours, and travel guidelines. Automatic ticket vending and recharge machines support up to 12 languages, while the upgraded "ALAN Station Master" card inquiry kiosk offers displays in 10 languages, including English, Japanese, and Korean.

Additionally, as of June 2024, all train lines have implemented Japanese and Korean arrival announcements. Current station announcements are made in Mandarin, English, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Hakka, in that order. Platform station name signs now also include Japanese and Korean text to assist international travelers.

Free Service 2: 24-Hour AI Smart Customer Service — Handle Lost Items and Incident Reports

Taipei Metro's AI smart customer service is integrated with the lost-and-found system. Travelers can use a chatbot to inquire about lost items. If the item hasn't been found, they can immediately register a search request online without calling the customer service hotline. The AI system also features a "General Incident Reporting" function. If passengers encounter issues on station premises or trains — such as spilling drinks or equipment malfunctions — they can instantly contact the customer service center and operations control center via text. Recently, an AI voice customer service has been added, accessible through the Taipei Metro official website and the "Taipei Metro Go" app.

Free Service 3: Menstrual Equity Initiative — Free Sanitary Pads Available at Stations

To promote menstrual equity, Taipei Metro has expanded its free sanitary product service to all station inquiry counters starting July 2025. Female travelers with urgent needs can request free sanitary pads from station staff. Sanitary pad vending machines remain near restrooms, offering two pads for NT$10. Restrooms are also fully equipped with toilet seat disinfectant, toilet paper, and emergency call buttons, creating a comprehensive and inclusive environment.

Free Service 4: Free Vomit Bags for Passengers Feeling Unwell — Protecting Station and Train Cleanliness

If passengers suddenly feel unwell or nauseous during their journey, they can visit the station inquiry counter to obtain a free vomit bag, preventing unexpected messes in trains or stations. Taipei Metro advises that if vomiting occurs in the station or on the train, passengers should immediately notify station staff or use the train intercom. Cleaning personnel will respond promptly. For those who are heavily intoxicated or severely unwell, the metro recommends traveling with a companion.

Free Service 5: System-Wide Fast Charging Upgrade — Supports Both Type-A and Type-C Interfaces

To enhance service quality, Taipei Metro has progressively upgraded 284 charging stations across all 117 stations to fast-charging specifications. These stations support both Type-A and Type-C interfaces, with a maximum output power of up to 60 watts. Travelers need only bring their own charging cables to quickly recharge fast-charging-compatible smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, solving the urgent problem of dead batteries while on the go.

Free Service 6: Taipei Metro's "Love Umbrella" — Never Get Caught in the Rain

One of the worst things is stepping out of the station into sudden heavy rain without an umbrella. To prevent travelers from getting drenched, Taipei Metro offers a "Love Umbrella" service. These umbrellas come from unclaimed lost items that have exceeded the official holding period. After being cleaned and organized, they are placed on umbrella racks for free borrowing by passengers without umbrellas — a timely blessing on rainy days.

If all Love Umbrellas are already borrowed, don't worry. Taipei Metro stations also offer the "raingo" shared umbrella rental service. The pricing is very affordable: NT$19 for the first hour, NT$29 within two hours, and a maximum of NT$39 for the first day. For long-term use, it's NT$20 per day starting the next day, with a maximum rental period of 14 days, allowing everyone to exit the station in style even during heavy storms.

Free Service 7: Need the Restroom? No Need to Pay! "Free Temporary Access Pass" Solves Emergencies

Don't panic if you suddenly need to use the restroom while out and about! Taipei Metro station restrooms can actually be used for free. If the restroom you wish to use is located within the gated area, simply request a "Temporary Access Pass" from station staff at the inquiry counter. You can then enter the gate for free, use the restroom, and return the pass by inserting it into the gate upon exit.

Note that the "Temporary Access Pass" is valid for 15 minutes and can only be used for entry and exit at the same station — it cannot be used for riding the metro. If you accidentally tap in with your EasyCard or personal ticket, as long as you seek assistance from station staff within 5 minutes of entry, you can still receive a free refund.