Highway Bureau Launches Holiday Savings Program with Rail-to-Bus Transfers for Hualien and Taitung

Central News Agency reporter Lu Tai-cheng, Taitung, 18th: Ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday starting tomorrow, the Highway Bureau has announced a 60% discount on medium and long-distance passenger buses. Additionally, special rail-to-bus shuttle services will be available for residents returning to Hualien and Taitung, offering a fast and convenient way to get home or visit tourist attractions.

Su Yu-chi, a section chief at the Taitung Motor Vehicles Station under the Highway Bureau, told CNA today that to handle the massive influx of returning residents and tourists during the holiday, the Ministry of Transportation's Highway Bureau is rolling out a "National Passenger Transport Preferential Measure." This encourages the use of public transportation to avoid traffic jams and parking inconveniences caused by driving.

She stated that the promotional period runs from the 18th to the 21st. Passengers taking medium and long-distance national highway bus routes, as well as eastern routes over 70 kilometers, will enjoy a 60% discount on the original fare. When combined with the "TPASS2.0 + Frequent Flyer" discount, passengers taking 2-3 rides in a month will receive an additional 15% cashback, and those taking 4 or more rides will receive 30% cashback, allowing for up to a 42% overall discount.

Furthermore, passengers using electronic tickets to transfer from national buses, Taiwan Railways, or High-Speed Rail to local or city buses (excluding HSR shuttle buses) or community buses within 10 hours will receive one free fare zone (or basic mileage).

Su mentioned that to facilitate entry into the Taitung area, the Taitung Motor Vehicles Station has coordinated with public transport operators to strengthen shuttle services and build a complete transfer system.

Travelers entering Taitung from Kaohsiung, Pingtung, or Hualien can utilize seamless transfers between Taiwan Railways and highway buses. There are six bus routes operating between Taitung and Hualien: 1145 (Hualien Station - Chenggong), 8101 (Taitung - Jingpu), 8102 (Taitung - Jingpu via Zhonghua Bridge), 8105 (Chenggong - Jingpu), 8119 (Taitung - Chenggong - Hualien New Station), and 8181 (Yuli - Ningpu - Chenggong).

In addition, Taitung County has 29 highway bus routes and 4 city bus routes. The city routes are 101 (Taitung Station Circular Line), 201 (Taitung Station - Fugang Fishery Harbor), 202 (Taitung Station - Taitung Bus Station), and 203 (Taitung Station - Taitung Bus Station via Junior College). These routes provide convenient access to downtown Taitung and major attractions.

The Taitung Motor Vehicles Station encourages the public to prioritize public transportation and use the "iBus" app to check route information and real-time schedules. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150618