[quote=“Icon”]Well, there goes my cheap cool ride to impress newbies and tourists:
[quote]Taipei, Dec. 3 (CNA) The Taipei City government is planning to raise the fare of the Maokong Gondola to cover its operating losses, an official said Thursday.
This year, the ridership of the Maokong Gondola reached 2.66 million, with more than 60 percent of the passengers being foreigners or non-Taipei residents, said Chung Hui-yu (鍾慧諭), head of the city’s Department of Transportation, during a hearing of the Taipei City Council.
At present, the Maokong Gondola suffers losses of NT$100 million per year, Chung said.
According to a plan presented by Chung to the city council, the fare for average passengers would be increased from NT$50 at present to NT$150 for a one-way trip (three stops).
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But to be honest, 150 NTD is still quite reasonable, and will be cheaper with an EasyCard. And Ko’s bit here is interesting:
[quote]Asked about the issue, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) said the city government is indeed planning to raise the fares of the Maokong Gondola, but how the new fares should be set should be considered together with a project to revitalize Maokong, the Maokong Gondola and the Taipei Zoo to boost tourism.
He said the project will only be finalized in February 2016.
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Speaking of February 2016, my neighborhood got pamphlets form the MRT corporation. The dig for the Circular Line will go on its final stretch from December 2015 to February 2016, so I’d dare to say the end is near … but also water and power cuts, as they warned us they will work closer to the surface. Just don’t touch my Internet and we’re cool.[/quote]
tbh, 150NT is a high percentage hike, but at the same time, 150NT is really not that bad. I haven’t gone up the gondola yet, but the price hike won’t stop me from going.
As for the circle line, what are the stations that will be changed to transfer stations? I haven’t heard too much about it via local news (or maybe just missed it).