In a move to promote safer, more eco-friendly school commutes, Kaohsiung MRT has boosted the frequency of peak-hour trains to every 4-5 minutes to coincide with the school season starting at the end of August. Additionally, the interval times for 20 key bus routes have been reduced to every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, ensuring more frequent service. The Transportation Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government has analyzed ticketing data and regional growth to further refine or elevate certain bus routes to major service lines, thus enhancing overall connectivity. Together with the affordable TPASS monthly pass, this offers more comprehensive public transportation services. Commuters are encouraged to check real-time bus information through the Kaohsiung iBus APP.
April 2023 saw Kaohsiung lead the nation with the introduction of the TPASS public transport monthly pass. This initiative, alongside the completion of the Kaohsiung circular Light Rail (LRT) and the inauguration of the MRT Gangshan Station, has significantly integrated the city’s public transport network. Following these enhancements, the NT$399 TPASS monthly pass sales have soared, showing a sevenfold increase, with MRT and LRT usage up by 24% and bus usage by 8% over the previous year.
Director-General Chang Shu-Chuan of the Transportation Bureau highlighted that adjustments to the bus network were made following the recent enhancements in rail services. Detailed analyses of ticket sales, commuter surveys, and emerging area trends have been leveraged to optimize the network. For instance, Bus 168 now serves as a connecting service between the MRT, LRT, and local community areas. Routes like Red 60, Red 61, Red 62, and the Yanchao Express (E03) have seen improvements or increases in service frequency, improving connections between Nanzi, Dashe, Renwu, and Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station. Moreover, routes such as the Cimei Highway Express (E01), Hafo Express (E02), and Dahu Blessings Route have expanded their schedules to better cater to both daily commuters and tourists.
The Transportation Bureau continues to collaborate closely with bus operators to fine-tune routes for enhanced convenience. This latest update includes upgrading Bus 217 to the Xinchang Main Line and Red 56 to the Technology Park Main Line, increasing the frequency of 20 main lines during peak hours, along with increased frequencies on selected routes. Residents are encouraged to utilize these improved services and to check the Kaohsiung iBus APP, the Transportation Bureau's website, the official Facebook page, and bus operators' websites for real-time travel information before setting out.