Transportation in Taiwan is very different than it is in the U.S. because Taiwan is such a small country. The US is many times larger than Taiwan, and people are very spread out. This is one reason why we often use cars. Most Taiwanese people don't even use or own cars, however. Instead, almost everyone gets around on public transportation such as trains, buses or motor scooters.
The main way that the average person gets around in Taiwan is by riding scooters. There are smaller than motorcyles, but slightly bigger than bicycles. People here are very good at riding at them! Whole swarms of them whoosh by every time I am walking on the street. It is always very funny to see them as traffic lights change. They look like a bunch of knights leading a charge when they get a green light. It is kind of scary sometimes! They often go by people walking in the street quite quickly. Since they also park on the sidewalks, you have to watch out! I have been scared quite a few times by scooters unexpectedly passing me on the sidewalk! Have you ever ridden a motorized scooter before?
If Taiwanese people need to get around the city, or to other parts of the country, they usually use trains or buses. Taiwan has high speed rail on the west coast of the island, which is where most of the people (including me) live.
