You can always get home, no matter how late it is — Taiwan’s only 24-hour bus is in Taichung

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

You can always get home, no matter how late it is — Taichung City Bus Route 86 is the only 24-hour bus service in Taiwan. The route runs between East Coast Villa and Xinmin Senior High School, passing well-known locations such as the Golden Leopard Club, Taichung City Hall, and Taichung Park. Coupled with Taichung City’s current policy of free rides for the first 8 kilometers when using an IC card, it essentially offers free transport home for people during the late night hours.

▲ United Bus, the main operator of Taichung City Bus Route 86. (Photo / CourtesyUnited Bus Facebook Fan Page, stock photo)

The starting point of Bus Route 86 is East Coast Villa. The route follows Taiwan Boulevard and makes a turnaround at Xinmin Senior High School. Drivers on this route have been startled by a long-haired woman running out of a funeral parlor late at night, and have also given rides to women just getting off work from the Golden Leopard Club. But more often, they accompany locals who finish work as late as the early hours of the morning. The route has also featured the popular “cheerful driver” Wu E-Xia.“Cheerful Driver” Wu E-Xia

Bus Route 86 Ride Information
Route: East Coast Villa － Xinmin Senior High School
Route Details: The bus departs from East Coast Villa, travels along Taiwan Boulevard towards Taichung Railway Station, passing by Taichung City Hall, Taichung Park, and Sanmin Road, then makes a turnaround in front of Xinmin Senior High School before returning the same way to East Coast Villa.
Fare: Free for the first 8 kilometers when using an IC card; maximum fare of NT$60 for distances over 8 kilometers
Operating Hours: 06:00 to 19:30, every 30 minutes; 23:00 to 05:00, every 60 minutes
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