David on Formosa

A report in today's Liberty Times (自由時報) says that fares for the Kaohsiung MRT have been set. The fares are from NT$25 to 60 according to the distance travelled. The fares are about NT$5 more expensive than the Taipei MRT. 

The red line of the Kaohsiung MRT is scheduled to open before the end of this year. The report doesn't say if there will be any discounts offered. Passengers on the Taipei MRT who use the Easy Card (悠遊卡) to pay for their fares get a 20% discount. They also get a discount on bus fares if they are transferring between the bus and MRT.

The Taipei MRT has recently begun testing a new IC (integrated circuit) ticketing system. This uses round tokens with IC cards inside. This system is designed to replace the exisiting magnetic cards. The new tokens will work in the new style ticket gates pictured above. Compare these with the old style gates which will be phased out. 

Initially the IC tokens are available from CKS Memorial Hall, Guting, Jiantan and Taipei City Hall MRT stations. They will be available from every station by August. There is more information in this report from the Taipei Times.

Finally, the Liberty Times  also reports today that a ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the Taipei to Sanchong section of the Airport Link was held yesterday. Construction is expected to be completed in 2013.