2014年10月19日 星期日

Do I need a bike in Taipei?

A lot of people want to start their new life in Taipei with a bike. Bikes here are not really expensive, however, do you really need to buy one? I believe I could give you a great bargain.  As long as you are not looking for mountain biking, YouBikes can definitely meet your expectation, even go beyond!

YouBike is a service provided by Taipei city government for people who need short-distance commute.  They cooperate with GIANT, yes, the "Giant Bicycles", it cost you way less by using YouBikes instead of buying one.  However, with more and more bike routes being developed aside MRT network and riverside, Youbike can give you a mini journey from south to north, such as from Bi-Tang(碧潭), MRT Xindian Station to MRT Tamsui Station.

Here are the quick instructions for you to know before you start using this service:

Where can I find those bikes?

Taipei city alone has 167 sites, more than 5,000 bikes circulate inside Taipei, this service has expended to New Taipei city(which locates at outer circle of Taipei city) with another 12 sites. Yet the number is still growing!  Most of sites are close to MRT stations, or major transportation spots.  Check their website to see if there's any sites near your place.

Green spot means you can lend/return a bike.
Orange spot means you can return the bike, but no bikes to borrow.
Red spot means you can only lend a bike since all the racks are occupied.
Grey spot means it's off service for now.

Apps to help you

Are you worry about not being able to find a returning site once you start ride it? Don't be, mobile Apps such as Bikerker, or official App YouBike微笑單車 could help you to find sites to lend/return your Youbike.  I personally prefer previous App since it has less Ads, and request less storage spaces.  Not sure it has English version or not, however, with google map, you should be able to determine where you are, and where's the closest site for you!  Don't have 3G? Don't worry, government provides Free Wi-Fi such as "Taipei-Free", "iTaiwan" will be there as well.

How much does it cost?

http://taipei.youbike.com.tw/en/f43.html
Note:
1.It will calculate to 30 mins if using is less than 30 mins。
2. UPDATE:2015/04/01 Starting from April 1, using Ubike in TAIPEI city within 30 mins will deduct 5 NTD from your Easy card.
New Taipei City Government will give free to use as a grant to YouBike member for first 30 mins 。
(i.e. Hiring Ubike at New Taipei City still have the first 30 mins for free.)
3.Ticket balance of member who had registered need ≧1。

Yes, it's free for  the first 30 mins EVERY SINGLE TIME you use it.  If your working place, or school is close to your place, you can have a free ride in the morning, and commute back home for free everyday.

Touch and Go

Once you are registered, you can use your EasyCard to pay, no coins, no hassle.  You don't need to do any paper works, or manual filling anything at any counter.  Just pick a bike, and start your journey, and return it when you want at the other side of the city.

So what are you waiting for? Find a nearest site, and enjoy your first ride in Taipei! :D

More detail informations could be found here:

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