By KHT Staff. AI illustration image.
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung’s YouBike 2.0 system has passed 88.88 million total rides, as the city prepares to launch a new rebate program aimed at improving bike availability during peak hours.
The Kaohsiung Transportation Bureau (高雄市交通局) announced that the “Friendly Relay Program” will commence on July 1. YouBike members will automatically receive a riding coupon worth NT$5 when they borrow a bike from a full station, helping free up a dock, or return a bike to an empty station, helping make a bike available for the next rider.
Riders can receive up to NT$10 in coupons for a single trip if both conditions are met, provided that the pickup and return locations are different stations.
The bureau said the program is meant to encourage riders to make small changes to their routes and help reduce the number of stations with no bikes to borrow or no spaces for returns.
Officials note Kaohsiung’s YouBike redistribution service level has remained at 97%, while public satisfaction has reached 95% in past surveys.
The city said YouBike demand in Kaohsiung continues to grow, creating pressure at some stations during rush hour. This year, the city has added 26 stations and 512 docks, added 550 docks at 39 existing stations, and relocated six stations with lower usage.
The 88.88 millionth ride was recorded on June 9. The rider, a man surnamed Tong (童), received a Garmin smartwatch and a one-year TPASS Kaohsiung urban commuter monthly pass.
The Transportation Bureau also encouraged YouBike users to register for free public bicycle injury insurance through the YouBike app. The bureau said registration only requires users to follow the app instructions and enter basic personal information.
Officials said YouBike’s free customer service hotline can assist older users or others who have difficulty registering. The bureau said it will continue discussing more senior-friendly insurance registration measures with YouBike.
Residents can check real-time station information through the YouBike app or the Kaohsiung YouBike 2.0 website.
