Taichung Articulated Bus Leaks During Rain; City Orders Operator to Enhance Maintenance

Taichung has experienced continuous heavy rainfall in recent days, causing disruptions for public transit users. Notably, water leakage from the joints of articulated buses has been reported, prompting passengers to post sarcastic remarks on social media, such as 'Welcome to Taichung’s water bus.'

The affected bus was operated by Taichung Bus. It is believed that rainwater entered the cabin due to insufficient sealing at the articulated joint during wet weather. One passenger complained, 'I never expected to get rained on again inside the bus. I was soaked halfway through my ride.'

In response, the Taichung City Government's Transportation Bureau conducted an immediate investigation and confirmed the incident. The bureau stated, 'We have instructed Taichung Bus to conduct immediate inspections and thorough maintenance. We will also require the operator to strengthen its regular inspection system to prevent recurrence.' Penalties may be imposed based on contractual agreements.

Articulated buses are widely used on major routes in Taichung due to their high passenger capacity. However, their structural design makes waterproofing at the joints a known challenge, especially as vehicles age. With growing public demand for reliable and comfortable transit, the city is considering accelerating its vehicle renewal plans.