TRA Ticketing Rules Overhauled: Unified System Now in Effect Across Taiwan, Train Fares Up to 50% Off – Key New Policies Explained

To reduce commuting and homebound travel costs for college students, the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) previously introduced a special discount program for designated reserved-seat trains. The initial plan, announced on July 20, used a tiered advance booking system: students who booked tickets more than 14 days before departure received a 50% discount, those booking 8 to 13 days in advance received a 30% discount, and those booking within 7 days received only a 20% discount. These discounted seats were limited in number and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

However, due to widespread student feedback that the day-counting and ticket-rushing rules were overly complicated, TRA decided to implement a new system starting August 20 for travel dates onward, officially eliminating the advance booking day tiers. Instead, each train on a given date will now have a single, fixed discount rate, significantly simplifying the booking process.

Major Revision of University Student Reserved-Seat Train Discounts! What Are the Details?

Regarding the operation of the new plan, TRA Deputy General Manager Liu Shuanghuo explained that in the future, each train’s discount rate—50%, 30%, or 20% off—will be set based on the actual utilization rate of that train during specific time periods. For example, if a particular train is designated as a 50%-off service, college students can enjoy the half-price fare at any time before departure, as long as discounted seats remain available. This removes the previous pressure to book exactly 14 days in advance to secure the best discount.

Eligible passengers are currently enrolled students at accredited colleges and universities in Taiwan. The travel segment must be at least 50 kilometers on a reserved-seat train. Identity verification, penalty fares for violations, and refund processing fees will remain unchanged. The program will continue until August 16, 2027.

How Many Extra Trains for the 4-Day Mid-Autumn and Teacher’s Day Holiday? When Do Reservations Open and How Does Real-Name Registration Work?

In addition to revising the regular student discount program, TRA has officially announced its holiday transportation plan for the upcoming Mid-Autumn and Teacher’s Day 4-day consecutive holiday. The holiday transport period runs from September 24 to September 29, totaling six days, during which TRA will add 158 extra train services across the network.

The additional services include 6 real-name registration trains on the eastern line, 10 cross-line Tzu-Chiang express trains on the northern loop, 10 on the southern loop, and 4 direct Taipei-to-Taichung trains on the western mainline, aiming to meet inter-county travel demand for both homecoming and tourism.

Reservations for these extra trains will open at 00:00 on August 25 via the TRA official website, the TRA e-Booking app, convenience stores, and the telephone voice system. To address transportation demand on the eastern line, real-name registration trains will open for booking at 00:00 on August 26. Residents of Hualien and Taitung counties whose national ID numbers start with 'U' or 'V', as well as their spouses and first-degree direct relatives, may book homecoming tickets in advance under the designated rules.

What Are the New Rules During the Holiday Travel Period? How Are Standing Tickets and Carriage Configurations Adjusted for EMU3000 Trains?

During the holiday transport period, TRA will also implement several operational and carriage configuration adjustments. The EMU3000 New Tzu-Chiang trains operating on the western mainline will temporarily suspend free seating services. Instead, 200 standing tickets will be issued on a limited basis on the day of travel. Passengers can purchase these tickets via the official website, station counters, automatic ticket machines, or the 'TRA e-Booking' app. Passengers with standing tickets are strictly prohibited from entering Car No. 6, the Tengyun Business Cabin.

Additionally, to expand overall transport capacity and seating availability, the sale of family-friendly carriage tickets will be suspended across the entire network from September 24 to September 29. All such carriages will instead be operated and sold as standard seating. TRA urges passengers to plan their trips in advance and pay close attention to the updated travel regulations.