If you are living in Taipei, you will be using the metro a lot. It is cheap, fast, efficient, and you can get almost everywhere you need to go using it. Each trip (depending on where you are going) costs about 16-45 NTD (0.50-1.50 USD). The only downside is they are not 24-7. The trains operate from 6am-12am. If you are having a late night out, you will need to take a taxi since the buses will also not be running.
You pay for the metro by using these handy little machines.
You can pick your language (English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese).
When you first get to Taipei, you will use the “single journey” option to purchase single rides. Later, when you get your student ID, you will have a metrocard. Your ID has a dual function as an ID to let you into your dorm and other campus buildings, and a metro card. Using a card gives you a 20% discount on all rides, but since a card costs 100 NTD, and you get your ID in the first few days, it makes more sense to wait.
Look up at the map above the machine and see what station you want to go to. There will be a small number on that station. The sign looks like this...
Once you find your station (if you are going to Guoging dorm, it’s at the Technology building station. In this picture it is the highlighted yellow stop) it will say how much it costs to get from your current location to the station you want to go to. From there, you choose the “single journey” option, and pick the amount it takes you to get there.
The Taipei metro is pretty straightforward. If you are a city slicker, you will have no problem. Even I, a girl from the suburbs, was able to navigate it with no problem. There are lines, and they are all color coded; Red, Yellow/Orange (I have heard it referred to as both), Blue, Green, and Brown. Each line has a name; such as the Brown line being called the Wenhu line. I never remember them though, and simply use the colors as most people here do. The next stop is announced, and written in both English and Mandarin on flashing marquees in the subway car so it is easy for foreigners.
Naturally, the trains go in two directions. For each line you will see two “ends” to the line. Each train will be going towards one of these ends. For example, if you are at Gongguan, and want to go to Zhongshan station; you will get on the train that is labeled as going to “Songshan” since Zhongshan is on the way to Songshan station.
Transferring is also easy. On the map where two lines intersect, that is a transfer station. There are a lot. The only advice I have is if you can transfer at a station other than Taipei Main Station, do it. Taipei Main Station can get quite crowded and is a pain to transfer on during busy hours.
For example, if you are at the Technology Building station and want to go to Beitou, go to Daan (one stop away), and get off the train. You will then follow the signs to get on the Red line (the are everywhere, and impossible to miss) and get on the train going towards Tamsui
One other little thing about the metro that might be confusing for first timers; some trains don’t go to the end of the line. This is simply due to the fact that there is less traffic going to these areas. If you are going towards the end of the line, and the train you are on announces it has “reached its terminal station”, and all passengers must get off the train even though you haven’t reached your destination; don't worry! Simply get off, and the next train that comes will continue to the end of the line. This is a good time to mention that you will not have to wait long between trains on the MRT. If you miss a connecting train don’t panic another one will be coming in about 3-5 minutes. The trains run very regularly.
One last little bit about the metro in Taipei; no eating or drinking in the station or the cars. This includes water; no eating or drinking of anything. This is just to keep the metro clean (and boy are they clean!) You will be scolded by a security guard if you are caught, and potentially fined. Make sure you take a big gulp of water and finish your food before you get on.
For more information on the Taipei Metro, go to their website (there is an English option!) Here you can find how much each trip will cost, and the estimated time it will take to travel from one station to another. http://english.metro.taipei/ct.asp?xItem=1056373&CtNode=70241&mp=122036
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