Over the past few months, articles claiming that visitors can book a “Taipei self-driving gharry” through daytimestar.com have been circulating online. These posts sound exciting—imagine renting an autonomous carriage to explore Taipei’s buzzing streets at your own pace. But how much of this is fact, and how much is internet hype?
If you’re planning a trip to Taipei and want to know whether this service is real, how to book it, and what alternatives exist, this guide will give you the clear, fact-checked answers. We’ll break down what’s being said online, explain what’s actually happening in Taipei’s smart mobility projects, and show you practical ways to experience autonomous technology during your visit.
What People Are Reading Online
The Viral “Daytimestar” Story
Several websites suggest that daytimestar.com offers a way to book a self-driving gharry in Taipei. The idea is that you could rent an autonomous carriage (similar to an old-style horse-drawn gharry, but without a driver) and enjoy the city at your own pace.
However, when you visit the actual daytimestar.com website, you won’t find any booking platform, transport service, or self-driving technology. Instead, the site focuses on unrelated topics like manga and pop culture. This alone raises doubts about the legitimacy of the claims.
What the Top Articles Claim vs. Reality
Most of the top-ranking articles about the “Taipei self-driving gharry” share almost identical information, often without citing official sources or providing booking instructions. Here’s a quick comparison:
What Viral Articles Claim |
What We Verified |
|---|---|
Daytimestar.com offers bookings for self-driving gharry rides in Taipei. |
The site has no booking option, and no link to transportation services. |
Visitors can easily rent an autonomous gharry like a taxi. |
No public or private operator in Taipei currently offers autonomous gharry rentals. |
The service is popular among tourists. |
There are no news reports, government announcements, or reviews confirming its existence. |
This means the online narrative is misleading. But that doesn’t mean Taipei isn’t testing exciting autonomous transport options. Let’s look at what really exists.
What Actually Exists in Taipei
Autonomous Shuttle Pilots
Taipei has been actively experimenting with autonomous shuttles as part of its smart city initiatives. For example:
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Xinyi Road Pilot: Trials of autonomous electric shuttles have been conducted along Xinyi Road, near the Taipei 101 area. These shuttles are part of the city’s push to integrate smart mobility with public transport.
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Partnerships with Local Startups: Companies like Turing Drive have collaborated with the Taipei City Government to test autonomous driving technology in controlled environments.
Taiwan’s Autonomous Vehicle Sandbox Law
Taiwan introduced a legal framework known as the Autonomous Vehicle Sandbox to allow companies to test AV technology under government supervision. This ensures safety, insurance coverage, and accountability.
What this means for travelers: while you can’t book a self-driving gharry today, you might encounter pilot shuttles during specific events, demos, or city-sponsored programs.
Can You Book a Self-Driving Gharry Today?
The short answer: No, you cannot.
There is no official, public-facing service where tourists can book a “Taipei self-driving gharry.” The claim linking daytimestar.com to such a service is inaccurate.
What “Gharry” Usually Means in Taiwan
In Taiwan, “gharry” is most often associated with Gharry Car Rental, a conventional rental car service that lets travelers rent regular vehicles. It has no connection to autonomous vehicles or smart mobility pilots.
Legit Ways to Experience Smart Mobility in Taipei
If your goal is to explore Taipei with innovative transport options, here are some real choices:
1. Join a Public Autonomous Shuttle Demo
When Taipei runs pilot projects, shuttles are usually free or low-cost and supervised by attendants. Keep an eye on official Taipei Smart City announcements for schedules.
2. Use Taipei’s World-Class Metro and YouBike
The MRT network and YouBike bike-sharing program are seamless, tourist-friendly, and integrated with contactless payments. They represent Taipei’s commitment to sustainable urban transport.
3. Ride in Advanced Taxis
Taipei taxis increasingly feature driver-assist technologies like lane departure warnings and smart navigation. Not fully autonomous, but a glimpse of where the industry is heading.
Safety, Insurance, and Etiquette
What to Expect on Pilot Rides
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A trained attendant is always onboard.
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Shuttles typically run at low speeds on fixed routes.
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You may be asked to sign a consent form acknowledging that the ride is part of a pilot.
Insurance and Liability
Under Taiwan’s sandbox law, companies testing AVs must provide insurance and meet strict safety standards. This ensures that passengers are protected during trial rides.
Sample Half-Day Smart Mobility Itinerary
To help you visualize what a futuristic day in Taipei might look like, here’s a sample itinerary:
Time |
Activity |
Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
9:00 AM |
Start at Taipei 101 |
MRT (Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station) |
10:00 AM |
Visit Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall |
Walk or YouBike |
11:30 AM |
Try an autonomous shuttle demo (if available along Xinyi Road) |
Shuttle pilot program |
1:00 PM |
Lunch at a local restaurant in Xinyi District |
Walk or MRT |
FAQs About Taipei Self-Driving Gharry
Q1: Is the Taipei self-driving gharry real?
No, there is no public service offering self-driving gharry rentals. The claims online are misleading.
Q2: Is daytimestar.com an official booking site?
No. The site is unrelated to transportation and does not provide any booking system.
Q3: Can tourists join autonomous shuttle rides in Taipei?
Sometimes, during official pilot programs. Check announcements from Taipei City Government before your visit.
Q4: What does “gharry” mean in Taiwan?
It usually refers to Gharry Car Rental, a regular car rental company—not an autonomous vehicle.
Q5: Is autonomous travel legal in Taiwan?
Yes, under the government’s sandbox law, but only in controlled test environments with safety measures.
Conclusion
The idea of a Taipei self-driving gharry has captured online attention, but as of now, it’s more myth than reality. The viral claim connecting daytimestar.com to an autonomous rental service is inaccurate.
That said, Taipei is genuinely at the forefront of autonomous mobility trials. Through city-led pilot projects, Taiwan’s AV sandbox law, and partnerships with innovative startups, the groundwork for future autonomous travel is being laid.
If you’re planning a trip, don’t expect to book a self-driving gharry just yet—but do take advantage of Taipei’s modern public transport, YouBike system, and the chance to witness smart mobility pilots firsthand.
Pro tip: Before your trip, check the [Taipei Smart City website] or official government news pages for updates on shuttle trials—you may get to experience a glimpse of the future of urban transport.
