To promote transportation equality in rural areas and facilitate elderly mobility, the Nantou County Government held the "Nantou Happiness GO Trial Operation Launch and Vehicle Exhibition & Service Briefing" on August 5 at the Bazhang Community Center and Long-Term Care Multi-Service Center in Jiji Township. County Magistrate Hsu Shu-Hua, along with Legislator You Hao and the secretary to Legislator Ma Wen-Chun, Chen Qi-Zhao, announced the fifth station of the “Nantou Happiness GO” bus service officially launching in Jiji. The county aims to expand the service to all 13 townships by the end of next year.

Attendees included Director Chang Hong-Yue of the County Public Works Department, Deputy Director Wang Ying-Tai of the Taichung Motor Vehicles Office, Jiji Township Mayor Wu Da-Cun, County Councilors Hsieh Ming-Mou, Huang Chun-Lin, Chen Shu-Hui, Wang Qiu-Shu, several township representatives, village heads, and many enthusiastic senior citizens.

Magistrate Hsu stated that since its initial launch in Zhushan, Mingjian, and Lugu Townships last September, the Nantou Happiness GO service has completed over 15,000 trips and served more than 47,000 people. Following the recent launch in Shuili Township, Jiji’s first-day reservations already exceeded 50, showing strong public support and confirming the program's practicality and convenience for rural seniors, students, and residents.

She expressed her gratitude to Legislators You and Ma for advocating public needs and securing support from the Ministry of Transportation. This year, the program received over NT$13 million in subsidies from the Directorate General of Highways to expand the service. Citizens can also enjoy two months of free rides upon each route's launch.

The county government noted that, to ensure the service meets local needs, a coordination meeting was held in June involving township offices, village offices, schools, and community associations to gather feedback and reach consensus.

The Transportation Management Office explained that the Jiji service adopts a fully flexible reservation model based on residents' daily activity areas. It covers Jiji Township and neighboring areas like Zhushan, Mingjian, and Shuili, providing on-demand rides in areas with no bus service or where buses only operate at intervals over an hour. It also connects with intercity public transportation.

The Jiji route is operated by the Furen Net Zero Universal Development Association. Residents can reserve rides via the 0800-885-658 hotline, LINE, or through village offices. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance.

After the trial period, the fare system will be based on distance. A one-section fare costs NT$13 for half-price and NT$25 for full fare, with one section calculated as up to 8 kilometers. Trips exceeding 8 kilometers will be charged as two or three sections. Seniors aged 65 and older can ride using the county's Elderly Care Card issued by the Social and Labor Affairs Department.