By / Scenic Spots Home (compiled report)
In the past, public transport between Taipei and Hualien was limited to trains. With the opening of the Su-Hua Highway Improvement Project on Provincial Highway 9, the "North–South Hualien Line – Returnee" bus, touted as Taiwan’s most beautiful intercity bus, has also made its debut!
(Photo / Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
The North–South Hualien Line intercity buses are the first in Taiwan’s road public transport system to incorporate aesthetic design into both their exterior and interior. The redesigned fleet of 11 new buses began operating on January 6 on the “Nangang–Hualien” and “Banqiao–Hualien” routes along Provincial Highway 9 (Su-Hua Improvement Project). Travelers heading between Taipei and Hualien can now enjoy one of the most beautiful moving landscapes on the highway.
(Photo / Discovering the North–South Hualien Line – A New Experience in Public Transport Aesthetics, same below)
This fleet of intercity buses is the result of a cross-sector collaboration between the Directorate General of Highways, the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Industrial Development Bureau, and the Taiwan Design Center. It marks the first time aesthetic design has been applied to intercity buses. An aesthetic design team was invited to lead the overall transformation, including the development of an exterior visual identity and interior design standards. The design adopts a minimalist style and incorporates local elements, changing the previous impression of intercity buses as garish, cluttered with information, and made of subpar materials—crafting a unique identity and service quality for the North–South Hualien Line.
The route is named the “North–South Hualien Line – Returnee.” “North–South Hualien Line” sounds like “discovered,” while “Returnee” represents both “going home” and “traveling.” Whether heading home or going on a trip, passengers can ride this most beautiful bus. Visually, the exterior design is inspired by Hualien’s “pebbles”—the eight pebbles symbolize the eight tunnels opened up by the Su-Hua Improvement Project.
The “North–South Hualien Line – Returnee” is expected to begin operation on January 6, alongside the launch of the Su-Hua Improvement Project. On that day, the bus operator will also distribute commemorative items such as exclusive first-run limited-edition electronic tickets. Discounted fares will be offered during the initial period and the Lunar New Year holiday. Reservations are now open.
Currently, the “North–South Hualien Line – Returnee” is operated in partnership with three bus companies: Tonglian Bus, Capital Bus, and Taipei Bus. It offers two new routes: “Nangang–Hualien” and “Banqiao–Hualien,” with each one-way trip taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. The full fare is around NT$300. With the launch of this route, Taiwan’s national highway bus network now offers a complete loop around the island, making it possible for travelers to take buses and tour the entire country.
[Info]
North–South Hualien Line – Returnee
Launch Date: January 6, 2020 (Monday) at 4:00 PM
Tonglian Bus – National Freeway 1663
Route: Nangang ↔ Hualien
Fares
Full Fare: NT$320
Half Fare: NT$205
Discounted Period Fare: NT$290
Capital Bus – National Freeway 1580
Route: Banqiao ↔ Hualien
Fares
Full Fare: NT$352
Half Fare: NT$226
Taipei Bus – National Freeway 1071
Route: Nangang ↔ Hualien
Fares
Full Fare: NT$320
Half Fare: NT$208
Check out this new hotspot as giant ships enter the harbor—Taiwan’s only highway service area in eastern Taiwan wins over families!
》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=22852