2025-06-13
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Mayor Lu said that, as the only female mayor among the six municipalities who has personally experienced childbirth, she deeply understands the physical discomforts and financial pressures women face during pregnancy and postpartum. She emphasized the importance of easing the burdens of expectant mothers to help them nurture new life with greater joy, health, and well-being. To that end, the city government will launch the “Transportation Subsidy for Pregnant Women” on July 1, aiming to reduce the transportation costs of expectant mothers and ensure peace of mind and safety when commuting. It is estimated that 11,200 pregnant women will benefit from the program this year. The subsidy is available to pregnant women with ROC nationality and household registration in Taichung City, as well as non-ROC nationals whose spouses are registered residents of Taichung. Each eligible applicant will receive a transportation subsidy of NT$6,000, with a maximum of NT$200 reimbursed per ride, up to 30 rides in total. Through this initiative, the city government hopes to ensure that pregnant women have access to convenient transportation when going out.
Mayor Lu explained that the city government’s “Good Pregnancy Shuttle” service offers a fully digital process—from eligibility application and ride booking to payment—allowing users to complete everything online and use transportation credits via the TC PASS app. The city government has also taken into consideration that the NT$6,000 subsidy may not be fully used during pregnancy. Therefore, in addition to prenatal use, the subsidy remains valid for six months after childbirth. This allows expectant and new mothers to use the service with peace of mind and ease, from prenatal checkups to postnatal follow-up visits.
Mayor Lu further noted that many taxi companies and fleets have joined this initiative, with approximately 11 taxi fleets and over 5,000 vehicles currently participating. The city government will continue to expand partnerships to make it even more convenient for expectant mothers to book rides. Online applications opened today at 10 a.m., and the subsidy will be available for use starting July 1. Taichung currently ranks fourth among the six municipalities in terms of birth rate. While the city government allocates nearly NT$100 million annually for city programs—a significant financial burdens—Mayor Lu emphasized that no matter the challenges, the city government remains dedicated to reducing the burdens of pregnancy and helping expectant mothers and their families lead happier lives.
In response to public concerns about whether the central government’s cuts to general subsidies would affect the implementation of the transportation subsidy for pregnant women, Mayor Lu reassured the public, saying “No matter how difficult or demanding, we will uphold this social welfare program.” She firmly pledged that the subsidy program will be launched on schedule and at full quality on July 1, without any impact.
The Social Affairs Bureau explained that eligible recipients include pregnant women with ROC nationality and household registration in Taichung City, as well as non-ROC nationals whose spouses are registered in Taichung. Applicants may apply online by submitting their Maternity Health Handbook, national ID, prenatal exam certificate, or medical diagnosis. Once approved, the electronic transportation credits will be directly deposited into their TC PASS app account. The subsidy is valid from the date of issuance until six months after the expected due date. For each pregnancy, the program provides up to 30 rides, with a maximum of NT$200 reimbursed per ride.
The Social Affairs Bureau noted that currently, 11 taxi fleets comprising a total of 5,353 vehicles have joined the service. When disembarking, expectant mothers can simply scan a QR code provided by the driver or manually enter the ride information on their mobile phones to deduct the fare. The subsidy’s coverage is not limited to Taichung City but also extends to surrounding areas including Miaoli County, Changhua County, and Nantou County, thereby achieving a truly friendly, convenient, and smart transportation service.
“Special congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all the mothers who are pregnant and caring for their families, making Taichung a city full of vitality and hope,” said the Social Affairs Bureau. The city government is committed to supporting families with comprehensive measures, including child-rearing allowances, childcare subsidies, postpartum home care services, as well as the country’s most affordable public childcare and diverse parent-child centers, all aimed at creating a family-friendly city. For more information about the transportation subsidy for pregnant women, please visit the Social Affairs Bureau’s official website (https://www.society.taichung.gov.tw/2956141/post) or the Facebook page “Social Care, Warm Taichung.”
At today’s press conference, Mayor Lu, city council member Liu Shih-Chou, Social Affairs Bureau Director Liao Jing-Zhi, Digital Affairs Bureau Director Lin Gu-Long, Civil Affairs Bureau Director Wu Shi-Wei, Transportation Bureau Director Yeh Chao-Fu, Tourism and Travel Bureau Director Chen Mei-Xiu, Secretariat Director Hsieh Chia-Chen, Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Chen Chia-Chun, Chairman of Council for Hakka Affairs Jiang Jun-Long, Deputy Director of the Health Bureau Chen Li-Juan, Deputy Director of the Urban Development Bureau Zeng Wen-Cheng, Deputy Director of the Land Administration Bureau Lu Heng-Ning, Secretary-General of the Labor Affairs Bureau Shi Shu-Chu, Secretary-General of the Agriculture Bureau Huang Chun-Man, Secretary-General of the Rapid Transit System Bureau Lian Chao-Rong, Senior Executive Officer of the Information Bureau Liu Chung-Wei, district chiefs of Taichung City, and representatives of pregnant women were all in attendance. Additionally, Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-Chen and city council members Lin Pei-Han, Chen Cheng-Hsien, Chen Cheng-Tian, and Chiu Ai-Shan sent representatives to show their support.
