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1. LOCATION
 
(a)
 Where will the event be held?
 
Those who have taken part in the festivities of years past will be no strangers to our annual agenda of celebration! As per tradition, the 2010 Taipei New Year City welcomes everyone to Taipei City Hall Square on the evening of December 31, from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
 
 
 
(b)
 Will any special facilities will be available for the disabled?
 
The Xinyi Shopping District adjacent to City Hall Square is sure to be considerably crowded during the New Year’s Eve event. That’s why, in the interest of safety, there will unfortunately be no designated areas reserved for disabled spectators. If you are disabled and want to experience the energy from our live show, we invite you to find a comfortable open area nearby, where you can view the on-stage entertainment on one of our large projector screens that will be set up in the area. This way we can ensure the safety of all while allowing everyone to revel in the same party atmosphere!
 
2. GETTING THERE
 
(a)
 What is the best way to travel to the event location?
 
With an estimated crowd of 500,000 expected to gather at City Hall Square and Xinyi Shopping district, we urge everyone to avoid using their own transportation (car, scooter, motorcycle or bicycle) to reach the area. This will create even longer traffic delays and even hinder pedestrian movement. The best way to arrive is via Taipei City Bus or the Taipei MRT Nankang (Blue) Line. However, although Taipei City Hall Station is the nearest station to the event site, MRT passengers may find it easier to exit at a nearby station and walk the remaining distance. This way, spectators can make their way to the site at their own unhurried pace without creating dangerous congestion at the City Hall Station, while getting a bit of exercise in the meantime! In addition to these suggestions, the City of Taipei will also be implementing traffic controls for streets within the immediate area. ( Traffic Information)
 
 
 
(b)
 My home is located within this traffic-controlled area. How can I return home once the festivities begin?
 
In order to help ensure a positive New Year’s Eve experience for all spectators, traffic restrictions for the immediate area will be in place for the evening of December 31. Therefore, residents of these controlled areas will be asked for their patience and cooperation on this day. When leaving home for work in the morning, please try to use public transportation to avoid the traffic congestion once the New Year’s Eve festivities have begun. Those using their own automobiles to return home will most likely encounter considerable delays during this time. Making use of the city bus or MRT systems or travelling by foot is the best way to ensure that you safely and conveniently return to your home.
 
3. TIME
 
(a)
 What is the best time to arrive at the event location?
 
Festivities are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. As December 31 is a regular workday, rush hour traffic will likely be busier than usual. Residents are advised to have a short rest at home and enjoy dinner before making their way to the event area. Naturally, those wishing to find a spot close to the stage will need to arrive early to avoid being swallowed up by the crowd!
 
 
 
(b)
 What is the complete schedule of events?
 
The annual schedule of events at Taipei City Hall Square has never been one to disappoint in the past, and this year will be no exception! From an estimated start time of 7:00 p.m., the City of Taipei is proud to bring spectators and viewers an exciting cast of stars, each of whom will host, perform, and help countdown the clock for a different hour of the program. Further details about the event schedule will be revealed on the City of Taipei website as they are confirmed, so keep checking back for all the latest announcements!
 
4. FOOD, DRINK, SHOPPING AND RESTROOM SERVICES
 
(a)
 Will the site include any portable restroom facilities?
 
Spectators will be allowed to use any of the restrooms in nearby shopping centers or inside the Taipei City Hall MRT station, while portable facilities will be installed at different areas of the event site. Please keep in mind that with the size of the crowd at this time, the cleanliness and hygiene of all facilities may not be up to usual standards. We therefore remind spectators to use a restroom at home or elsewhere before arriving and, once on site, avoid drinking too much water or beverages.
 
 
 
(b)
 Will champagne or any other alcohol be allowed onsite?
 
Due to the expected size of the New Year’s Eve crowd, it is for the safety of each individual present that we prohibit alcohol on the event premises. Those wishing to enjoy their evening with champagne or other alcoholic products are encouraged to gather at home or at a nearby bar or club.
 
 
 
(c)
 Will there be any food or drink stands set up on the premises?
 
Hungry partygoers need not fear! Concession stands selling snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages will be set up on the event site, while adjacent shopping areas and convenience stores will remain open as well. Please remember, however, that lineups at these locations will grow as the evening wears on and the countdown nears, so try to plan accordingly.
 
 
(d)
 Is it a good idea to wait until after dinner before leaving for the event?
 
Restaurants located in surrounding areas will operate under ordinary business hours on December 31, but since many of these establishments may have extended hours or promotional activities for New Year’s Eve, we suggest checking with the restaurant’s individual websites. Because of the congestion of spectators arriving to the event after work, spectators are encouraged to enjoy their dinner at home before leaving for the event. Also, we remind you to use public transportation when travelling to the event to avoid unnecessarily-long commuting times and to allow for the best possible New Year’s Eve experience. Naturally, spectators hoping to get a front-row seat to the festivities will probably need to cut their dinner short and get to the grounds early!
 
 
 
(e)
 Until what time will movie theatres, shopping areas and restaurants remain open?
 
All adjacent businesses, theatres and restaurants will operate under regular store hours on December 31. To inquire about extended business hours or other details for an individual establishment, please call the establishment or search for their website online.
 
 
 
(f)
 Will garbage disposal facilities be found onsite?
 
A number of garbage bins will be provided on the event grounds; however, to help maintain the cleanest possible environment for everyone onsite, spectators are encouraged to keep their trash with them, disposing of it outside the premises after the conclusion of the event. Let’s all join together as fellow citizens to maintain the beauty of our city and our planet!
 
5. SAFETY
 
(a)
What restrictions will be placed on spectators at the event site?
 
Organizers expect up to 500,000 spectators to squeeze into the event site on the evening of December 31. Although there are no limitations on how many can attend the festivities, if you are among those who dislike large crowds or who live a considerable distance from the event sites, you may want to simply watch the complete program of events on TV and take part in the fun from the comfort of your own home!
 
 
 
(b)
 What emergency facilities are available for the public onsite?
 
In the event of an emergency an the event site, please make your way to one of the first aid centers or information booths located nearby, or find a member of our roving event staff to ask for further assistance. First aid centers can be found by scanning above the crowd for large helium balloons marked with first aid cross symbols; these balloons will be located above the first aid centers. Emergency pathways situated through the center of the event grounds can also direct you to the nearest first aid station.
 
6. MISCELLANEOUS
 
(a)
 What clothing or other items should I bring to the event?
 
As winter weather will be upon us by this time, we recommend all spectators bring comfortable, warm clothing and a limited amount of belongings to the event. While at the site, please keep a close eye on your belongings to avoid them being misplaced or stolen. Also, try to arrive at the site together rather than attempting to meet up with others inside. For parents who will be bringing small children, PLEASE keep hold of your child’s hand at all times while moving through the event grounds. And finally, for the benefit of all spectators, the City of Taipei urges all pet owners to leave their cats, dogs and other pets at home for the festivities!
 
 
 
(b)
 Do spectators need to purchase a ticket?
 
The annual New Year’s Eve festivities are part of the City of Taipei’s special planning each year. The event is free of charge and no tickets are required. All are welcome to share in the excitement as we welcome in another new year together!
 
 
 
(c)
 Where can we look for more information on the city’s festivities for this evening?
 
The main page of the City of Taipei website will include an assortment of links and discussion forums related to the New Year’s festivities, such as announcements of celebrity hosts, Xinyi District traffic controls, and much more. For inquiries, please call the City of Taipei service hotline at 1-9-9-9 or contact the City of Taipei Department of Information and Tourism New Year’s Eve Organizing Committee.
 
 
 
(d)
 Approximately how much garbage is collected each year at this event?
 
The New Year’s Eve crowd in the City Hall Square and adjacent areas can reach up to half a million. This adds up to a LOT of garbage! During the 2007 New Year’s Eve festivities, a total of 21tons of trash was collected in the area. Although the tireless City of Taipei cleaning staff is more than up to the task, it will still take several hours of hard work after the event to bring the area back to looking its best for the new year. We therefore remind you to consider these workers and the tidiness of our environment by reducing your garbage consumption during the event. If possible, keep waste with you until you can recycle or dispose of it properly outside the crowded area. This will not only ease the burden on our cleaning staff, but will also help keep our city looking as beautiful as ever to start the year 2010.
 
 
 
(e)
 10 Helpful Hints
 
A. Use public transportation when arriving at and leaving from the event site.
B. Wear warm, loose-fitting clothing.
C. Eat dinner before leaving for the event.
D. Meet up with friends before travelling to the event; when arriving, agree upon a time and location within the premises to meet in case of emergency.
E. Locate a map of the event site upon entering to learn the location of all facilities.
F. Be aware that cell phone use may be difficult after 10 p.m.
G. Pay attention to your personal belongings. (Owners of lost items will be required to confirm identity)
H. With Taipei City Hall and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT Stations sure to become quite crowded after the event concludes, spectators are advised to walk further out to other bus or MRT stations beyond these crowded areas in order to ensure a short, convenient ride home.