Taitung ranks first in administrative satisfaction; 1/5 of Spring Festival return-home shuttle bus tickets now open for booking

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

Last year, Taitung County Government launched a Spring Festival return-home and return-to-work shuttle service by train for the first time, which was voted the top-rated county government policy by local residents. This year, it is once again offering tour buses and special train services, with online and on-site ticket sales starting at 8:00 AM on January 5, 2012. To coincide with the New Year’s Eve countdown and sunrise-welcoming event, two additional railway (TRA + bike) special trains will be added during the January 1, 2012 holiday period.

To promote the Spring Festival return-home shuttle service, this year the Taitung–Shulin (North-Link Line) route will be served by a special train, stopping along the way at Banqiao, Taipei, Yuli (with shuttle services to Changbin and Chenggong), Chihshang, Guanshan, Luye, and Taitung. The South-Link Line will be served by TRA with extra carriages for passengers. Additionally, the Taitung–Taoyuan and Taitung–Taichung routes will continue using tour buses as in previous years for the 2012 Spring Festival return-home service. In total, there will be four train services and eight bus services, accommodating approximately 2,000 round-trip passengers. This year, TRA will also add direct express trains; the fare from Taipei to Taitung is only NT$350, and from Kaohsiung to Taitung is NT$160.

Ticket booking for the return-home shuttles will open online at 8:00 AM on January 5, as well as at the county government auditorium for on-site purchases. Eligibility is limited to Taitung residents with an ID number starting with V or those registered as residents of Taitung County. Departure dates are January 20 and 21, to bring those working or studying away back home for the holidays, and January 28 and 29 to take them back to their workplaces or schools. For detailed ticket information, please check online.

Taitung County Government official website: www.taitung.gov.tw/tw/index.aspx