[quote=“xitdude”]Hello, my question is sort of related to this post so I thought to post here.
I know there is something about YOYO CARDS, but I am seeking an answer related to few of these related to paying in cash. I’m a foreigner, can’t speak Chinese (yet), can’t understand Chinese (yet), and I’m always nervous if I am doing things wrong or if the driver will say anything to me… I know getting a YOYO CARD will save all the trouble, but I would prefer to pay in cash at this moment.
1a. Do I pay when I enter the bus and also when I exit the bus, or just when I exit the bus? I’m currently paying both, a total of $30NT, but I feel I might be wrong… I do understand that bus rates goes more high if traveling in a farther direction, but I understnad this isn’t really an issue or something bus drivers takes serious on. I only travel 10 minute.
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Compared with YOYO CARD users, I know they use the card when they enter the bus, and also use the card when they exit. If I pay in cash, how would the driver know I already paid when I entered already. I feel like I am doing the wrong thing again when I don’t pay even when I didn’t have to.
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I know there are 2 sides to the bus (where customers can enter the bus), I always feel maybe it is my luck that hte second door opens (not the one closest to the bus driver) so I don’t have to think about paying when I enter the bus. Is this really luck or is there a system I need to follow? (For instance, people who needs to pay in cash needs to enter from that second door or something…?) By “second door,” I am describing the door that usually have 2 wing-like opening on the middle side of the bus.
THANKS!!![/quote]
Xin,
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You pay 15 nts for each “zone”.
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There is a sign on each door telling you to pay when you get on or when you get off, depending on the point where you got on was on zone 1 or zone 2 (most buses go through 2 zones). Chinese character for up means pay when you get up, down pay when you get down (off). So far, so good. Simple.
But…
- Now, you paying (or having to pay twice) is not related to the distance or time on the bus, but rather the number of zones you cross.
For instance, I live in Xindian. If I go to Daan Park, the bus 642 will cross zone 1 at Gongkuan. Zone 2 would then start from Gongkuan to Minchuan. I would still have to pay two zones, even if I get on at McDonalds Taida -the previous stop to Gongkuan MRT, where the zone starts- just because I got on there, before the bus crosses the zone. Usually, the bus driver will give you a “transfer”, which means you have already paid for the zone, if there is possibility of confusion -people who get on 642 bus in Gongkuan MRT receive one, as they have paid for the following zone, but the “light” on the bus has not changed.
Buses here in Taiwan have the door in the middle, not directly in the back. Yes, there is a system. Follow the people. You get in from the back if you pay when you get off, and you get in from the front door when you pay when you get in. In general, if you crash against people, you are going in the wrong direction.
In summary, look carefully before you get on. You’ll know in a few days, as you will probably take the same buses all over again all the time to go to school.
Finally, let us know which bus is it, what number, which stop you get in. Maybe someone can advise an easier -and cheaper- way.