National Chi Nan University Launches NCNU Free-PASS: Free Round Trip to Taichung High-Speed Rail Station for NCNU Students
"The most valuable NCNU student ID card to have"
Witnessed by the Nantou County Government, National Chi Nan University announced the nation's most valuable student ID card. With just a tap of their student ID and an iPASS card, NCNU students enjoy free rides directly from Taichung High-Speed Rail Station to the NCNU campus on the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle. An additional ten shuttle trips per week have been scheduled between Taichung High-Speed Rail and NCNU, providing free and convenient shuttle services for students commuting between Taichung and Nantou or using the high-speed rail to return home. This service significantly reduces the distance between Taichung and Nantou, aligning with Nantou County Mayor Hsu Shu-hua's 'Lead Investment Development' transportation policy.
This pioneering approach of issuing free commuting tickets to NCNU students is a national first. NCNU President Wuu Dong-Sing stated that NCNU has funded this initiative to subsidize the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus routes operated by Nantou Bus. It aims to reduce the commuting costs for students traveling between their homes and the school. The shuttle bus from Taichung High-Speed Rail Station to NCNU travels via National Freeway No. 6 and takes only 45 minutes to reach the nation's most beautiful green university.
President Wuu Dong-Sing noted that this unprecedented measure also aligns perfectly with Nantou County Mayor Hsu Shu-hua's transportation policy of 'Improving Transportation Systems and Strengthening Transfers and Ridesharing.' NCNU is committed to contributing to Nantou County's external transportation efforts. The Sun Moon Lake route of the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, a popular tourist route, has been overwhelmed with passengers heading to Sun Moon Lake, often leaving no space for students. Therefore, NCNU has requested that Nantou Bus increase its bus services to accommodate more NCNU students while easing the load for tourists heading to Sun Moon Lake. The additional trips add up to ten per week, enhancing capacity and frequency.
NCNU Vice President Yung-Ping Tseng explained that the Sun Moon Lake Routes B and F have always been a favorite among undergraduate students. Since the Ministry of Transportation and Communications introduced a 50% discount for electronic ticket holders on the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, reducing the fare from NT$106 to NT$53, it has become even more popular among students. NCNU, aiming to lessen the transportation burden for students from other counties, considered subsidizing bus operators to care for students, allowing them to ride for free with their NCNU student ID (co-branded with iPASS Card). Additionally, during school days, an extra bus route from Taichung High-Speed Rail to Sun Moon Lake via NCNU campus is added every morning from Monday to Sunday, and three extra routes from NCNU to Taichung High-Speed Rail Station are added on Friday afternoons, ensuring all NCNU students can enjoy this free benefit.
The long-discussed NCNU FREE-PASS has received strong support from the NCNU Student Union. NCNU Student Union President Chen-Hao Wang noted that this free ride on the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a significant and tangible benefit for students, likely preventing the issue of being unable to board buses for trips to and from the school. Wang said, "I am proud to hold my NCNU student ID. Studying at NCNU has continuously added value to this card in terms of knowledge and skills, most notably enhancing communication, adaptability, professionalism, and practical skills. The school's emphasis on internationalization has also provided him with global mobility training, making this the most worthwhile student ID."
Building a happy NCNU college town starts now.