Emergency Transport Situations

Occasionally, transport plans go seriously wrong. Knowing how to respond to emergencies reduces stress and potential danger.

Missing last transport: Taiwan’s metros and trains stop running around midnight to 01:00, whilst buses generally cease by 23:00-24:00. Missing the last service home leaves you with limited options: taxis (expensive but available in cities), 24-hour internet cafés offering cheap rest spaces (common in Taipei, less so elsewhere), or simply waiting until services resume around 06:00. Some hostels have flexible check-in allowing late arrivals if you’ve booked ahead.

Natural disasters: Typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides occasionally disrupt transport. During typhoons, authorities suspend transport progressively as conditions worsen. Stay informed through hotel staff or weather apps. Don’t attempt travel during typhoon warnings and wait until the all-clear.

Earthquakes are common in Taiwan but rarely disrupt transport beyond brief suspensions for safety checks. Major earthquakes might close mountain roads or railways for inspections. Landslides following heavy rain can close roads with little warning, which particularly affects Central Cross-Island Highway and mountain routes.

Lost property: Taiwan has surprisingly effective lost property systems. Items left on metros, trains, or buses often reach lost property offices. Check with station staff the same day if possible. Public transport lost property in Taipei is remarkably efficient, which many items are returned. Keep receipts and ticket stubs as proof of travel when claiming items. For items lost in taxis, contact the taxi company immediately with time, location, and taxi number (photographing taxi information before exiting helps). Ride-sharing apps make this easier by keeping journey records.