TAXIS,BUS & MRT (Taipei) TAXIS Major cities have an abundance of taxis. In Taipei, charges are NT$65 for the first 1.65 km (the meter shows NT$65 at flag-fall), and NT$5 for each additional 350 meters. A 20 % surcharge is added to fares between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Most drivers do not speak English, so it is a good idea to have hotel personnel write both your destination and your hotel's name and address in Chinese, along with the projected cost of each one-way trip. Complaints in Taipei may be made by calling (02) 394-3876 or (02) 321-9166. In Kaohsiung, taxi fares are NT$60 for the first 1.5km and NT$5 for each additional 300 meters. In other cities and long-distances, meter-rates may not apply; please confirm the fare before you get in. Government and/or private city bus companies also serve residents within the cities. The fares are inexpensive, and the buses are frequent. BUS Buses are the most important form of public transportation in Taiwan's big cities, such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. They are convenient, and the tickets are cheap. Tourists should try them. The price of a ride on a Taipei bus is NT$ 12 one way, or about US$0.43. Some longer routes are divided into two sections, each of which costs NT$12. MRT (Taipei) Taipei's Mass Rapid Transit System, when completed, will cross the metropolitan area with five separate commuter rail lines, including the Mucha line, Tamsui line, Hsintien line, Panchiao line and Nankang line. The Mucha line, which offers a commanding view of the city from atop its elevated tracks, is already in full operation.