Public transportation in Taichung

Got pros and cons

I use it constantly...everyday in fact

All there are: Buses, taxis and trains...no MRT

Buses: great, except it can take you a while to get to places and you then have to walk, like everywhere in the world when you use a bus

and buses SUCK during rush hour, mainly because of all the kids going to buxibans

Fare: FREE (buses) for the most part.  You just have to buy a pass from 711, then when you get on and off the bus you scan it.  My wife rides for an hour each way to work (sometimes more) and since it is so long it costs her...but only 4 NT (yes, f-o-u-r) a trip each way.  She could transfer and then it would be completely free (since cost is figured according to the length of the trip) but its not worth the hassel.

Safe: totally

Only problem is they quit running around 10pm.

Train: haven't used it yet, but its pretty cheap and goes out of town