The Commons Daily / Reported by Yeh Po-cheng
[Photo Caption]Launch ceremony of Taipei Bus Route 932 Rapid Electric Bus. Center: Chief Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Mr. Chu Chien-chuan. (Photo provided by the Department of Transportation)
A new chapter in urban transportation! Taipei Bus Route 932 “Sanxia NTPU – MRT Fuzhong Station” Rapid Electric Bus officially began operation today (Oct. 8). This marks not only a safer, more comfortable, and zero-emission commuting experience for passengers traveling between Sanxia and Banqiao, but also signifies the official launch of a new phase in New Taipei City’s public bus electrification. In addition, the Department of Transportation plans to procure another 262 electric buses this year, with the proportion of electric buses expected to exceed 33%, continuing progress toward the goal of achieving full electrification of urban buses by 2030.
During the “Taipei Bus Route 932 Rapid Electric Bus Launch Ceremony,” Chief Secretary Chu Chien-chuan of the Department of Transportation stated that New Taipei City is actively responding to the Executive Yuan’s policy for full electrification of urban buses by 2030. Through the "New Taipei City Government's Guidelines for Promoting Green Energy, Environmental Protection, and People-Oriented Public Transportation: Urban Bus Purchase Subsidies," relevant subsidies have been compiled to encourage bus operators to replace vehicles and participate in promoting energy-saving buses. To date, the total number of electric buses in New Taipei City has reached 310. It was also announced that intercity vehicles will also be included in the full electrification process in the future, continuing towards the goal of achieving full electrification of urban buses by 2030.
[Photo Caption] Trial ride experience of Route 932 Rapid Bus. (Photo provided by the Department of Transportation)
Chief of the Transportation Management Division, Lin Shih-chin, stated that Route 932 Rapid Bus is the first rapid bus route in New Taipei City operating on the Expressway No. 65. The service began in March 2012, connecting the Sanxia NTPU Community to Banqiao. The travel time between the two areas is only about 40 to 45 minutes, making it the most suitable bus route for passengers’ commuting needs, providing residents in the region with convenient public transportation for commuting, schooling, and transfers.
He pointed out that, since there are currently no large accessible electric buses available, once all electric buses are deployed, if passengers with disabilities require transportation, the operator will dispatch support from nearby stations or deploy diesel-powered large accessible or low-floor buses to provide service.
[Photo Caption]Electric Intercity Coach. (Photo provided by the Department of Transportation)
The chairman of Taipei Bus Company, Lee Po-wen, stated that the electric intercity coach is not a low-floor electric bus, which features higher endurance and efficiency, with more seating capacity, making it suitable for long-distance intercity transport. He added that the introduction of such vehicles not only enhances the quality of public transportation services, but also serves as an important milestone in accelerating New Taipei City’s transition toward smart and low-carbon public transport.
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電巴突破300輛 新北公車電動化啟動新篇章 - 民眾新聞網