New Taipei City’s water bus proves a hit; weekday and weekend services increased by 50%

▲The New Taipei City water bus has received an enthusiastic response, with a 50% increase in services on both weekdays and weekends. (Photo / Reporter Sun Yaozhang)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

On July 30, New Taipei City Government launched a new route for its Tamsui River water bus, which has been met with an enthusiastic response from the public. In response, the city government has coordinated with shipping operators to increase services starting August 3. The number of weekday services will be raised by eight per day, and weekend services by ten per day, in line with tidal schedules to expand operations.

Following the course of the Tamsui River, New Taipei City Government has constructed two new piers—Zhongxiao and Huajiang—in the middle and upper reaches, extending the Blue Highway to the confluence with the Xindian River. The Transportation Bureau has planned two water bus routes: “Zhongxiao Pier – Dadaocheng Pier” and “Zhongxiao Pier – Huajiang Pier.” Modeled after bus fare structures, each segment of the route costs NT$15 for a full ticket, with each journey taking approximately 15 minutes.

The water bus originally operated with 16 weekday services and 20 weekend services daily. Due to strong public response following its launch, the New Taipei City Government’s Transportation Bureau coordinated with shipping operators to deploy an additional vessel to boost transport capacity and serve more passengers. Starting August 3, the two vessels will provide water bus services on the Zhongxiao Pier – Dadaocheng Pier and Zhongxiao Pier – Huajiang Pier routes, with eight additional weekday services and ten additional weekend services per day.

Additionally, in conjunction with the “2013 Dadaocheng Music and Fireworks Festival,” which will take place on the weekend before Qixi Festival on August 10, river traffic control will be enforced from 6:00 PM on August 8 to 9:30 PM on August 10 along the upstream section of the Tamsui River between Zhongxing Bridge and Taipei Bridge. Water bus services on August 8 will operate normally from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Services on August 9 and 10 will be completely suspended due to the control measures, with normal operations expected to resume on August 11.

The public is reminded that sailing times on the upper Tamsui River system are subject to tidal conditions. Before heading out, please check the water bus schedule on the official website at http://www.waterbus.ntpc.gov.tw or call 02-89654555 for inquiries.