During the consecutive holidays of the Dragon Boat Festival in 2023, from June 22nd (Thursday) to June 25th (Sunday), it is anticipated that the main travel activities will be focused on tourism. In order to alleviate the traffic flow caused by tourism, the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), has cautiously developed a traffic relief plan. In addition to implementing traffic relief measures on Provincial Highways, real-time and comprehensive road condition information will also be provided to assist road users in their travel arrangements.
To encourage the public to use comfortable and convenient public transportation during the consecutive holidays of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Directorate General of Highways will launch several nationwide promotions for Freeway (Highway) passenger transportation from June 21st (the day before the long weekend) to June 25th. These promotions are aimed at providing benefits for travelers returning home or going on trips, including: (1) Discounts on 87 medium to long-distance Freeway passenger transportation routes, either at regular weekday rates or at a 15% discount. (2) Passengers who transfer within 10 hours from the High-Speed Rail, Taiwan Railway, or Freeway Bus to local bus services will enjoy free one-way ticket or a discount based on the basic mileage.
Additionally, from June 22nd to June 25th, two region-specific promotional measures will be introduced for the Eastern Taiwan: (1) “Local Rental Discount” measure: Passengers taking designated Eastern Freeway Bus routes can enjoy rental discounts when renting vehicles from specified car or motorcycle rental companies in the Eastern Taiwan. By presenting the ticket stub, they will receive rental benefits. Moreover, when returning on the Freeway Bus with a vehicle rental receipt, they can enjoy further discounts on the fare (car rental discount of 200 NTD and motorcycle rental discount of 100 NTD). (2) For those holding valid accommodation certificates from Eastern region authorized accommodations or Taiwan Tourist Shuttle package tickets, they are eligible for the “4-for-1 Free” promotion when round-trip traveling on designated Eastern Freeway Bus routes. Furthermore, on the return journey, they can enjoy a total fare discount of 200 NTD. Please note that only one of these two promotions can be selected for use.
In terms of general road traffic, the Directorate General of Highways anticipates that traffic congestion during this consecutive holiday period will start to occur gradually from the afternoon of June 21st (Wednesday). The influx of tourist vehicles is expected to peak at major scenic tourist destinations from June 22nd to June 24th. The traffic flow of vehicles returning to work areas is predicted to gradually increase starting from the afternoon of June 24th (Saturday).
The Directorate General of Highways will plan various traffic relief measures based on the traffic characteristics of congested road sections. These measures include alternative routes, flexible adjustment of traffic signal timing, partial intersection closures, restrictions on heavy truck traffic, and the provision of real-time road condition information for Provincial Highways. The Directorate General of Highways will also coordinate with local police units to enhance traffic order maintenance and strengthen enforcement of traffic control measures, such as cracking down on violations in congested areas.
In addition, alternative routes have been planned for the 11 congested sections of the Freeway as estimated by the Freeway Bureau. Guide signs have been placed along these routes to direct road users. It is recommended that road users check the real-time road information on the “Provincial Highway Real Time Information Service” (https://168.thb.gov.tw) and the “Happy Highway App” before departure. During the journey, please pay attention to the Changeable Message Signs (CMS) along the Provincial Highway routes and real-time road condition information provided by the Happy Highway App. Adjust your travel plans accordingly in advance to avoid congestion.