Taiwan is raising subsidies for parents and scooter riders, as well as the prices of some goods and services starting in early April. These changes will affect the cost of electricity, taxis, and tobacco products.
Taipei’s childbirth subsidy is increasing by NT$20,000 for parents of children born after April 4. Parents can receive higher subsidies for having multiple children and at least one of the parents must be registered as living in Taipei.
Taiwan is also offering subsidies of NT$1,200 to a limited number of people who attend scooter driving school. Additionally, the free ride period for public bikes in Taoyuan is also increasing to one hour.
Taiwan Power Company says the price of electricity will increase by an average of 11%, but it will not affect households and small stores that use less than a certain amount of electricity per month. Taipower says around 80% to 90% of residents and small stores fall in this category.
The starting fare for taxi trips in Greater Taipei has gone up by NT$15 (US$0.50), and the meter speed for adding charges when the taxi is at a standstill is increasing. The tax on tobacco purchases also went up by NT$1,590 per kilogram or per thousand cigars.