Taiwan launches bus travel package service

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau has launched a shuttle package service that takes tourists to hot-spots in 12 counties using the island’s public transportation.

A trial of the service on 21 routes in 10 counties was launched in April last year with encouraging results.

Last year’s trial of the service attracted around 760,000 users, with the number expected to surpass 1 million after this year as the service is improved to include 20 routes and 12 counties.

The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle currently serves the following counties: Yilan, Taoyuan, Miaoli, Changhua, Nantou, Chiayi, Tainan, Pingtung and Taitung. Each county includes various stops at scenic spots and different package options.

Bureau statistics showed that 20 percent of visitors who used the package service last year were from outside Taiwan.

A survey among passengers using the Taiwan Tourist Bus showed that the satisfaction rate was 90% for the new service.

‘Noteworthy is the fact that 14 of the travel routes offer different packages depending on the tourist attractions visited along the route’, said Tourism Bureau Director-General, Janice Lai.

The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus service is also a response to reducing carbon emissions by encouraging tourists to travel by public transportation rather than by driving.

According to Minister of Transportation and Communications, Mao Chi-kuo, a round-trip tour to Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County including access to the Sun Moo Lake cable car, the round-the-lake bus, a boat tour and discount coupons for scooter or bicycle rental will cost NT$599 (approximately AUD$20).

More information including bus routes and travel itineraries can be found at www.taiwantrip.com.tw.