Department of Transportation

Free shuttle buses were provided in Taipei City for certain events such as buses on the day for commemorating the deceased, and panda shuttle bus etc. These free shuttle buses were intended to provide prompt and convenient transportation service, and reduce the impact to the surrounding traffic due to the events. However, there had not yet been any free shuttle buses operated on general bus routes. The government had granted subsidies to cover the differences between the transportation cost and fare, and the discount fare for transferring between the rapid transit system and buses. The government would like to encourage people to travel by public transportation.
According to the Taipei Public Transportation Office, the Taipei City government requested event organizers to provide free shuttle buses based on the scale and demand of the events to ensure smooth running of the events. By providing convenient and speedy transportation, people who intend to participate in events would avoid traveling by private vehicles. This would reduce the impact that events cause to the surrounding traffic. Most of the shuttle buses were still charging fares like city buses due to financial consideration, and that people should pay for what they use as well as promotion of public transportation.
On the official open day of the Taipei Children’s Amusement Part in December 2014, bus routes had not yet been fully arranged for that. To cope with the crowds and encourage people to travel by public transportation, three free shuttle buses, which stop at the MRT Jiantan Station, MRT Shilin (also stop at MRT Zhishan Station) and the children’s amusement park were provided. After the official open day, the number of visitors there had become stable, and people had got used to go there by public transportation. The shuttle buses were changed to general city buses on April 7, 2015. Passengers had to pay bus fare, which was charged for one section.
The Taipei Public Transportation Office finally stressed that bus fares will be charged for sustainable development of public transportation and encouraging access to public transportation. Shuttle buses will only be available for certain short-term events.

2015-08-24