If you ever felt ripped-off at highway service stations, you'll be glad to know that the huge pricetags there may soon be a thing of the past. The authorities have announced a new measure limiting the price range of products at these sites, and they'll even send out undercover inspectors to make sure that these regulations are implemented.

The clean and comfortable setting of service stations is where many commuters seek relief from the achingly long highway trips.

However, many people feel frustrated and cornered by the high pricing of food, which is often double the amount in most other areas.

On the other hand, service providers

at the service stations complain about

the little profit due to high rent,

commission deductions, ingredient cost and utility fees. Therefore, lowering prices is almost an impossible case.

In order to assuage passengers' frustration, the Taiwan Area National Freeway Bureau announced that they will draw up new bidding regulations, in which the winning food manufacturer and food provider will sign a contract with transparent stipulations.

In addition, commission deductions will drop from 35% to 25% so that food pricing will be comparable to that of university and business area.

Undercover inspectors will further ensure that the food quality is maintained even after the price adjustment.

Should food vendors continue selling at unreasonable high price, they will be fined NT$20,000 each day until they alter their pricing. The new regulations are expected to take effect starting March of next year and beginning with Tai-An service station.