Upgraded "Taiwan Pass" Combining Five Modes of Transport – Choose Freely from 34 Routes

▲Golden rapeseed flowers shine brightly in Dongchishang. (Photo / From the Huatung Valley National Scenic Area website)

Reported by Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

Carrying tourists between national scenic areas and nearby attractions, "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle" has been well received since it first issued the "Taiwan Pass" integrating five public transport options last year. This year, in collaboration again with Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways, Taipei Metro, and Kaohsiung MRT, it launches an upgraded version of the "Taiwan Pass" starting today. Not only is the "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle riding period" extended to the end of April 2015, but the number of available routes has also increased to 27.

This year’s "Taiwan Pass" offers three types of passes tailored to different traveler needs: the "Green Pass," which allows unlimited rides on 27 "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle" routes; the "Orange Pass," which combines the Green Pass functionality with a 25% discount on Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets—you can choose your travel dates up until the end of the year without pre-selecting a time; and the "Blue Pass," designed specifically for foreign travelers, also combining the Green Pass feature with a 3-day TR-PASS for Taiwan Railways, limited to just 200 sets. All three passes allow free exchange for a one-day pass on either Taipei Metro or Kaohsiung MRT, covering both city trips in one go.

▲An increasing number of "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle" routes make it easy for visitors to travel between famous scenic spots. (Photo / Taken by reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Meanwhile, the Tourism Bureau is also offering multiple promotions: the first 500 "Green Passes" are available for just NT$999 and include a "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Commemorative EasyCard"; the first 500 "Orange Passes" come with a free "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Travel Notebook"; and the "Blue Pass" includes a "TaiwanPass Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Identity Card." These perks ensure a more enjoyable trip. In addition, the Kaohsiung MRT one-day passes redeemable with the three types of passes can be used as regular iPASS cards after expiration, offering free rides on Kaohsiung city buses and one-hour free rentals of Kaohsiung public bicycles until the end of the year.

In addition to retaining the original 30 shuttle service routes, the Tourism Bureau has this year added four new routes: Keelung's "Dragon Palace Treasure Hunt Line," Hsinchu County's "Twelve Villages Line," Hualien County's "Hualien Valley Line," and Pingtung County's "Northern Pingtung Line." These allow travelers to easily explore Taiwan’s most beautiful scenic spots and experience the unique local culture and hospitality.

Detailed information on routes, schedules, fares, package tickets, and the various passes can be found atthe "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle" Scenic Spot Shuttle Tourism Service official websitefor inquiries.

%Table on shuttle services, usage methods, and other details (Table / Provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Tourism Bureau)

%Table on newly launched shuttle services (Table / Provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Tourism Bureau)