Kaohsiung's YouBike 2.0 system has achieved a major milestone, hitting "50 million rides" _at 7 a.m. on July 14th! The lucky 50-millionth rider will be rewarded with a NT$10,000 department store gift voucher from YouBike Co., Ltd. and a limited-edition commemorative Kaohsiung YouBike card. Plus, starting from July 1st, the Transportation Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government has introduced third-party liability insurance for all public bicycles, expanding the protection to users.
According to the Transportation Bureau, the launch of the Kaohsiung City’s NT$399 Monthly Commuter Pass introduced last April under the Executive Yuan's TPASS policy, along with the launch of the NT$999 Tainan-Kaohsiung-Pingtung Commuter Monthly Pass in July, has led to a significant 22% increase in YouBike usage in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year. Over 30% of monthly commuter pass holders ride YouBike, with more than 430,000 people using the TPASS to seamlessly connect YouBike with various public transportation modes.
Currently, over 1,351 YouBike stations have been installed throughout Kaohsiung, catering to over 1.5 million users each month. The top three busiest stations in the first half of 2023 were Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station, MRT Hamasen Station (Exit 1), and MRT Houyi Station (Exit 2), each averaging over 10,000 users per month. Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station primarily serves Bo’ai 4th Road, MRT Hamasen Station connects to Sun Yat-sen University and Gushan Ferry, and MRT Houyi Station serves Kaohsiung Medical University. This widespread usage underscores YouBike's role as an indispensable commuting, schooling, and sightseeing tool in the city. Looking ahead, the Transportation Bureau is committed to further expansion, with plans to establish 1,500 YouBike stations by 2026, ensuring that last-mile transportation needs are met efficiently and sustainably.
The lucky 50 millionth YouBike 2.0 rider, a man in his 40s, rented a bike from the "Pinghe Road Public Parking Lot" station at around 7 a.m. on July 14th and returned it at the "Xiaogang District Office" station. He shared, "I used to rely more on my car, but then I discovered a YouBike station near my home. It's so convenient and easy to ride! I even used it that day to go exercise." As the 50 millionth rider, he will receive a NT$10,000 department store gift voucher provided by YouBike Co., Ltd. and a limited-edition commemorative Kaohsiung YouBike card.
To further ensure safety for users, the Transportation Bureau has introduced third-party liability insurance coverage for all public bicycles starting July 1st. In addition, riders can benefit from personal injury insurance, which is already available. By simply logging in and opting in via the official app or the YouBike official website, riders can enjoy free insurance coverage. The Transportation Bureau noted that over 80% of Kaohsiung residents have already enrolled, and they encourage those who haven't to sign up as soon as possible for added protection.
Monthly Commuter Pass MeNGo website: https://men-go.tw/
Kaohsiung YouBike 2.0 website: https://kcg.youbike.com.tw/home
App: YouBike 2.0