Due to rising operational costs, bus services within Nantou County have been increasingly reducing bus schedules and cutting routes, leaving Nantou residents with fewer transportation options. In response, the Nantou County Government and Legislator You Hao have negotiated with the Ministry of Transportation to add two additional bus departures from Taichung High-Speed Rail Station on Fridays and Sundays, at 6 PM and 9 PM, to facilitate commuters and travelers.

The Nantou County Traffic Management Office stated that the public transportation operators have been reducing services and cutting routes due to operating costs, a trend that worsened after the pandemic, coupled with a shortage of bus drivers and the regulations of the Labor Standards Act on working hours. Since Nantou County lacks high-speed rail or railway trunk lines, buses are the primary mode of public transportation, making the impact more significant.

In July of this year, through legislator You Hao, the county invited the Ministry of Transportation to review the local transportation infrastructure. The Traffic Management Office emphasized the public transportation issues faced by Nantou residents and urged the Ministry to coordinate with national highway and bus operators to adjust schedules or add routes. The Ministry of Transportation conducted an evaluation of Nantou’s intercity bus routes and found that early closing times for bus services were creating difficulties for residents trying to return home at night, a problem that needed to be addressed.

After multiple negotiations between local legislators, the Nantou County Traffic Management Office, regulatory agencies, and bus operators, it was decided that Tonglian Bus would add services on its 1657 route from Taichung High-Speed Rail Station to Nantou. Effective immediately, two additional departures will be added on Fridays and Sundays at 6 PM and 9 PM, to accommodate the nighttime travel needs of residents returning home from the High-Speed Rail Station. Tonglian will review passenger numbers to determine whether these additional services will become permanent.

The county government has stated it will continue to seek support from the Ministry of Transportation to improve the public bus system within the county and make commuting more convenient for residents.

Source: United Daily News / Reporter Jiang Liangcheng / December 19, 2024