I am arriving in Taipei on the 8th, and heading south toward Taitung on the 10th or 11th for surf.
HOWEVER, I’m being told that train and bus tickets are almost impossible to book. People are telling me to car-share or even to hitch!
So, are you or anyone you know heading south for the holidays? I’ll gladly chip in for the cost of transport. 
On a side note, anything fun to do in Taipei on New Year’s Eve/Day?
Cheers!