Zhushan Township, which lacks a railway, relies on public buses for travel. However, many residents in remote areas still face difficulties in accessing convenient transportation services. With the assistance of the county government, the Happy Bus 2.0 plan launched today and will be in trial operation until October 31, offering free rides to township residents. Starting in November, regular city bus fares will resume. The future fare system will adopt a three-segment pricing model, with full fares at NT$25 per segment and half fares at NT$13. Riders can use EasyCard, iPASS, or Senior and Charity Cards to pay for rides.

Zhushan Township Office stated that the Happy Bus 2.0 integrates a reservation system and a technology platform, using small buses seating 5 to 9 people to reach remote areas and transport residents. The operational routes include both fixed and flexible reservation routes, catering to commuting, medical visits, shopping needs, and helping residents in remote areas seamlessly connect to other public transportation.

The Zhushan-Linnei Line connects Zhushan Township to Linnei Train Station, providing residents with easy access to Taiwan Railways. Weekday fixed route services operate at 19:20 and 20:50 (to Linnei) and 20:10 and 21:40 (to Zhushan). Weekend services are at 17:00, 18:10, and 19:20 (to Linnei) and 17:40, 18:50, and 20:20 (to Zhushan). The flexible reservation route, Happy Yanzhu Line, runs from Zhonghe Village to Yanshan Village, allowing residents along the route to book rides. The Happy Zhushan Line runs from Fuzhou Village to Tongtou Village, serving residents from the north to the south.

Mayor Chen Dongmu said that starting today, residents must make reservations a day in advance, and the bus will depart with at least two passengers. Happy Bus 2.0 is not only meant to meet the transportation needs of residents but also aims to improve convenience and narrow the gap between urban and rural areas, allowing remote areas to enjoy better access to resources. During the trial period, residents are encouraged to experience the service for free and provide suggestions to help improve the service.

The Happy Bus 2.0 plan will resume city bus fare charges starting November 1. The fare system is based on a three-segment pricing model, with full fares at NT$25 and half fares at NT$13 per segment. The segment fare is based on a distance of 8 kilometers per segment, with additional segments calculated beyond 8 kilometers, up to a maximum of three segments.

Happy Bus 2.0 Starts Today, Integrating a Reservation System and Technology Platform, Using 5 to 9-Seater Small Buses to Reach and Transport Residents in Remote Areas. Photo credit: Zhushan Township Office

Source: 聯合新聞網