North Taiwan cities reward commuters for going green

臺北鼓勵市民綠色出行

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Four cities in northern Taiwan are making it easier and more rewarding for residents to adopt eco-friendly transportation.

Launched last year by Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan, the CO2 Passbook program lets commuters track and accumulate carbon savings by using public transit. As of Thursday, the initiative has drawn over 367,000 participants, according to CNA.

Participants who reduce at least 20 kg of carbon in a month can redeem everyday rewards, including trash bags and museum tickets. From October to December, four monthly winners will each receive a one-year metro pass valued at NT$12,000 (US$394).

The program covers buses, metros, trains, YouBikes, and other public transportation. Carbon savings are calculated by comparing emissions from a gasoline car over the same distance with the emissions from the transit mode used.

Organizers aim to reach 400,000 participants by year-end. If the target is met, 40 additional winners will each receive NT$10,000 in Easy Wallet credit.

Individuals can join by registering as an Easy Wallet member and accessing the My CO2 Passbook section in the app.

A monthly prize draw is available for participants who reduce at least 1 kg in a given month. September’s prizes include electronics such as MacBook Air and Nintendo Switch, as well as PX Mart vouchers.

According to Taipei’s Department of Transportation, rewards such as trash bags, toilet paper, and zoo tickets have been claimed quickly, highlighting the program’s popularity. The department plans to expand prize offerings next year and will continue gathering feedback to refine the system.