Kinmen builds a low-carbon model tourism destination: 12 electric buses hit the road

▲Kinmen promotes low-carbon tourism with 12 medium-sized electric buses hitting the road.

Reported and photographed by Chen Shichang / Kinmen

The Kinmen County Government is promoting the tourism industry alongside low-carbon environmental initiatives. On the 12th, it officially launched 12 electric minibuses for local public transport and use as “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle” sightseeing buses, making Kinmen Taiwan’s first low-carbon tourism island with a substantial fleet of electric buses.

More photos of Kinmen’s electric buses<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Economics Minister Deng Chung-hua, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Industrial Development Bureau Lü Zhenghua, Kinmen County Magistrate Chen Fu-hai, and Kinmen County Council Speaker Hong Liping jointly presided over the launch ceremony on the 12th at the Golden Lake Plaza near the scenic Taihu Lake. This event marked the official start of using electric minibuses to promote tourism in Kinmen, establishing the island not only as a model city for low-carbon public transportation but also as an eco-friendly tourist destination. This move also symbolizes Kinmen’s path toward a green, low-carbon future amid its military-controlled history and cultural heritage.

▲Economics Minister Deng Chung-hua (5th from left) and Kinmen County Magistrate Chen Fu-hai (4th from left) jointly presided over the electric bus launch ceremony on the 12th.

Electric buses produce no loud engine noise or polluting exhaust emissions. With their low-emission and low-noise features, they not only enhance environmental quality but also add value to the development of slow-paced, cultural tourism. Given Kinmen’s land area of 150 square kilometers and a population of 68,000, this means roughly one electric bus operates per 12 square kilometers, and one bus is available for every 5,600 residents.

Electric bus drivers said driving the electric vehicles is very quiet and smooth. Unlike traditional vehicles, acceleration is slower, it's not possible to floor the accelerator, and climbing hills can be a bit weak — though fortunately, there aren’t many hills in Kinmen, making it very suitable for electric buses. Currently, a full rapid charge takes about 2.5 hours and allows for approximately 100 kilometers of travel. The fare is NT$12 for a single segment, or NT$10 for students. The 12 electric buses are distributed across various stations, including four at Lieyu Station, four at Kincheng Station (including one Taiwan Tourist Shuttle), and four at Shanwai Station (including one Taiwan Tourist Shuttle).

In recent years, Kinmen’s tourism industry has flourished, particularly boosted by scenes from films such as “Paradise in Service” and “Summer’s Concerto,” TV dramas like “Summer at Sixteen,” microfilms such as “Courage at 18,” advertisements like the golden wheat fields in “Borland Coffee,” and the sorghum fields featured in the Jinchu Liquor Factory commercial starring singer Jody Chiang. These have drawn attention to Kinmen’s unique landscapes and historical traces, opening them up to the world.

▲Transport IC cards like EasyCard and iPass are accepted on the electric buses, offering great convenience.

▲After their launch on the 12th, Kinmen’s electric buses began trial runs along the tranquil and smooth Taihu Lake loop road, their yellow-and-white color scheme catching the eye.

Kinmen is actively working to lift military control restrictions and open wartime heritage resources, aiming to attract more visitors with enhanced tourism appeal. It is also planning public transportation routes to ensure tourists can visit Kinmen’s attractions safely and comfortably.

For example, the Shihshan Fortress, which played a significant role during the August 23rd Artillery Battle, has been redesigned to showcase various stone cannons and now features daily, awe-inspiring artillery drills. Additionally, the former “loudspeaker station” where Teresa Teng broadcasted across the strait and the nearby Mashan Observation Post’s wartime tunnels are now open to the public, equipped with high-powered telescopes to view the opposite shore. Visitors can also freely explore Yangzhai Old Street, the filming location of “Paradise in Service,” reflecting on the bittersweet experiences of soldiers stationed in Kinmen.

%Expect more low-carbon shuttle services to roll out soon, with 2 additional electric buses on the way.

Kinmen Tourism Official Website
Kinmen Transportation Bureau Bus Schedule – 2015

Kinmen Public Transport Tourism Routes
Shuitou-Zheshan Line
Guningtou Battlefield Line
Shishan Folk Village Line
Rongyuan-Taihu Line

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