Taipei, May 13 (CNA) The Taipei City government kicked off a public electric motorbike share scheme on Thursday, offering discounted rental rates to holders of the MRT monthly passes.
The scooters, provided by electric motorbike operators WeMo Scooter, iRent and GoShare at special rates, can be rented using the "EasyWallet" mobile payment service, city officials said at a launch ceremony.
Holders of the NT$1,280 (US$42.8) MRT monthly pass, which covers unlimited rides on MRT trains and public buses in Taipei and New Taipei, can choose from three packages available on the EasyWallet app that was developed by EasyCard Corp., transportation official Liao Yuan-ling (廖苑伶) said.
For example, monthly pass customers can buy a 200-minute package on iRent for NT$259, which is 36 percent off the full price, she said.
In addition, the Taipei City government will give card holders a NT$200 credit per month on their EasyCards with each purchase of a scooter rental package, Liao said, adding that 50,000 such bonus credits are available through the end of the year.
The goal of the program is to encourage greater use of green transportation in the city, Liao said.
Citing government data, she said that between 280,000 and 320,000 people per month usually buy the MRT all-pass tickets, and about 50,000 of them are expected to take advantage of the discount rates for the electric scooter rentals.
WeMo Scooter and iRent scooters are now available for rent under the city government program, while GoShare will get on board in June, according to Liao.
(Source of news: CNA)
