Singapore MRT, free early morning train rides extended another year

AsiaOne : "The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is extending free pre-peak travel on the rail network by one year to 23 June 2015. Commuters who end their journey before 7.45am on weekdays at 18 designated MRT stations in the city area will continue to enjoy free travel. Commuters who exit at these stations between 7.45am and 8am will continue to be given a discount of up to 50 cents off their train fare."

Japan finds the cleanest energy - saved energy

The Energy Collective: "These temporary measures have proven to have long term impact. They've dramatically increased the awareness of energy use and energy efficiency, with large companies running high-profile lasting programs. As a result, power consumption never rebounded despite GDP growth, as energy conscious practices became ingrained. More importantly, there is huge potential for technical measures to reduce energy usage even further - a resource that has only begun to be tapped into."

Record high ridership on Taipei's tomb-sweeping buses

CNA ENGLISH NEWS: "Taipei, April 6 (CNA) Free buses for people heading to clean up ancestral graves in Taipei for Tomb Sweeping Day carried a record high number of 775,843 passengers this year, according to bus operators.

The buses, a measure meant to alleviate traffic as people flocked to public cemeteries, made 16,476 trips on March 22-23 and 29-30 and the three-day Tomb Sweeping Day weekend April 4-6."

Local labor groups voice concerns over free trade impact

CNA ENGLISH NEWS: "In a joint statement, the workers' union of top telecom provider Chunghwa Telecom and 16 other organizations argued that the capital flows and profits brought by free trade only benefit capitalists, not their low-level employees.

In terms of Taiwan's growth, for example, wages have actually decreased over the years as the economy has continued to expand, they said."

Taiwan should reject trade agreements and focus on #peakoil

So-called free trade agreements make banks free to enslave you with debt, and trade small business for corporate jobs and unemployment.

Taiwan does not need to give in to any of the big powers trying to force their way in. We should focus on reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Reduce the bus fares gradually to zero. Gradually increase motor fuel tax. Get away from sprawl and development and fix what we already have.

Global warming to hit Asia hardest, warns new report on climate change

The Observer: "People in coastal regions of Asia, particularly those living in cities, could face some of the worst effects of global warming, climate experts will warn this week. Hundreds of millions of people are likely to lose their homes as flooding, famine and rising sea levels sweep the region, one of the most vulnerable on Earth to the impact of global warming, the UN states."

People of Taiwan do not want nuclear energy - tens of thousands hit the street

Taipei Times: "Tens of thousands of people braved the rain yesterday afternoon to take part in nationwide demonstrations calling for an end to nuclear power plants in Taiwan.
The protests, staged three days ahead of the third anniversary of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear disaster in Japan, took place simultaneously in Taipei, Greater Taichung, Greater Kaohsiung and Taitung."