Taichung BRT sightseeing bus to launch in June – travel around city attractions may become free of transport costs!

▲ Taichung BRT to begin service in June, along with a sightseeing shuttle connecting 28 attractions around the city. The photo shows the Chi-Chi Art Museum. (Photo / Courtesy ofChi-Chi Art Museum Facebook page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive report

The Taichung BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) will begin operations at the end of June, along with the simultaneous launch of the “Taichung City BRT Loop Sightseeing Shuttle Bus.” Starting from Taichung Railway Station, the route is expected to make stops at 28 locations including the One District Shopping Area, National Museum of Natural Science, Caotun Boulevard, and Taichung Prefectural Hall. The shuttle also qualifies for the “8 km free ride with card tap” promotion. In the future, visitors touring Taichung city can expect to save a significant portion of their transportation expenses!

The “Taichung City BRT Loop Sightseeing Shuttle Bus” is the city’s first low-carbon bus route. It consists of two loop lines—left and right—both starting from Taichung Railway Station and linking major attractions across central, western, and northern Taichung. In addition to popular spots such as Caotun Boulevard, the One District Shopping Area, and art museums, the route also covers Taichung University of Education, Taichung Hospital, Jihguang Shopping Area, Duxing Elementary School, Zhongming Senior High School, and other local areas before returning to Taichung Railway Station. This makes it both a sightseeing and transportation option. After the BRT opens, transfer stations will be set up at Taichung Railway Station and the National Museum of Natural Science, making it convenient for passengers to switch lines.

%Next up, the new BRT Blue Line bus. (Photo / Courtesy of the I Love Taichung BRT Facebook page)

Once operational, the loop sightseeing bus is expected to run 34 round trips per day on weekdays, departing on the hour in both directions, and every half hour on weekends. Considering that it will serve as a key transit option for tourists moving between attractions, guide staff will be onboard during weekends to provide commentary.

Additionally, as long as you tap in using an EasyCard, TaiwanPass, Kaohsiung MRT Card, or ETC Card, rides within 8 km are completely free. According to statistics from the Taichung City Transportation Bureau, only 2–3 of the 28 stops on the full loop exceed the free distance limit. Therefore, as long as you’re heading in the right direction, traveling around the city on the loop sightseeing bus could soon be almost entirely free of charge.