The MeNGo Program launched by the Kaohsiung City Government distinguished itself at the international competition GO SMART AWARD organized by the Global Organization of Smart Cities (GO SMART) to earn the 2023 GO SMART Award. With its MeNGo 2.0 digital transformation and transportation integration services, the Kaohsiung City Government distinguished itself among 43 projects submitted by 11 competing nations to earn this prestigious award.
According to Chang Shu-Chuan, director of the Transportation Bureau, Kaohsiung is the first city in Taiwan to fully digitize its public transportation system, and it also has the widest variety of vehicles. Following the introduction of the MeNGo2.0 Program, the capability to pay with a mobile device was extended to all forms of public transportation (light rail, ferry, mass rapid transit, bus, youbike2.0, etc.). When it comes to promoting MaaS, the MeNGo program is the first successful example in all of Asia. Convenient, friendly, and preferential transportation service programs are provided to encourage people to switch from driving their own cars to taking public transportation, thereby reducing the carbon emissions caused by private vehicles, enhancing the quality of transportation, and maximizing the utilization efficiency of public transportation.
The Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government further stated its years of effort in establishing the MeNGo MaaS platform allows Kaohsiung city to quickly respond to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ “Central Promotion of Public Transportation Utilization Program.” In April, Kaohsiung City will introduce the “Commuting Monthly Pass Plan” that allows users unlimited access to the city's mass rapid transit, buses, light rail, ferries, public bicycles, and other vehicles for the low price of NT$399. The city’s Commuting Monthly Pass Plan is expected to be included in the Taiwan Railway (Shuttle for Kaohsiung section) after the Taiwan Railway Bureau finishes the modification of the ticket system in July. In addition, the Commuting Monthly Pass Plan of NT$999 for the entire areas of Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung is expected to be launched simultaneously to provide convenient commuting services in the living circle and alleviate the traffic burden for residents of the southern region. MeNGo's design and development were motivated by the concept of a transport-accessible MaaS platform. In the future, this platform will be used to issue monthly commuting passes for Tainan City, Pingtung County and other counties and cities that require assistance with issuance, thereby providing users with seamless and convenient services.
In an effort to significantly reduce transportation-related carbon emissions and become a net-zero sustainable community, Kaohsiung City will continue to promote the construction of rail transport systems, including mass rapid transit and light rail, as well as electric buses, shared vehicles, and other policies. Membership applications and ticket purchases can be researched on the Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government (https://www.tbkc.gov.tw/) and MeNGo (https://men-go.tw#/) websites.