By KHT Staff. AI image for illustration only.
KAOHSIUNG — Bus services connecting Kaohsiung and Kenting (墾丁) will be expanded to 176 daily trips during the upcoming Qingming holiday, as authorities prepare for a surge in travel demand, including crowds attending the annual Taiwan Music Festival (台灣祭).
The Liberty Times reports the Kaohsiung Motor Vehicles Office (高雄區監理所) said seven key “Kenting Express” routes will see increased frequency over the four-day holiday period (April 3-6), which includes Children’s Day and Tomb-Sweeping Day.
Among them, the popular Route 9189 Kenting Express will run up to 60 trips per day, the largest increase among the routes. Other affected lines include 9188, 9117, 9117A, 9117B, 9127, and 9127D.
The increased capacity comes as Kenting is expected to draw large crowds for the Taiwan Music Festival, a major annual event held during the Qingming break.
To encourage the use of public transport, transfer discounts will also be offered. Travelers using electronic tickets who transfer within 10 hours from national highway buses, TRA, or HSR to local bus services will receive a free basic fare or one free segment. Some designated “Happy Bus” routes will be free of charge.
In addition, 86 intercity bus routes nationwide will offer discounted fares of up to 40 percent off, with further reductions available through the TPASS 2.0+ program. Operators, including Ubus (統聯客運) and Ho-Hsin Bus (和欣客運), have already opened advance ticket sales.
Passengers are advised to check real-time schedules, routes, and fare information through the iBus app (公路客運ibus APP) and to book early to avoid congestion during the holiday period.
