Taichung BRT express buses to launch in July; iBike to follow

▲ The Taichung BRT express bus Blue Line will begin operation this July. (Photo / fromMy Love Taichung bet fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The puzzle of public transportation in Taichung City is being pieced together bit by bit. Like a metro system, the express bus (BRT), which has two-carriage trains to carry passengers, has completed its first phase on the Blue Line and will begin operations this July. Meanwhile, the Taichung Public Bicycle System “iBike,” currently under development, has been confirmed to be managed by the same vendor as Taipei’s YouBike—Giant Manufacturing. Two demonstration stations are also set to be completed in July.

▲ Taichung City iBike

The Taichung City Transportation Bureau stated that the setup of “iBike” stations will focus primarily along the BRT Blue Line, with rental stations extending outward within a 2-kilometer radius. By the end of the year, 20 stations will be established, with an estimated total of 60 stations within two years to facilitate transfers and connections. As for station locations, the bureau believes areas such as tourist attractions, campuses, shops, and sidewalks outside flagship convenience stores can all be considered. After the launch of “iBike,” free usage for the first half hour will also be offered initially, similar to Taipei’s YouBike.