Taiwan Shin Sheng Daily News / Reported by Zhao Zhiwei / Keelung
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Metropolitan Transport Corporation held a launch ceremony for the electric intercity coach of Express Bus Route 2088. Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin and several city councilors took a ride on the new electric bus to experience its comfort and advanced onboard facilities. (Photo by reporter Zhao Zhiwei.)
Metropolitan Transport Corporation held a launch ceremony on December 3rd for the electric intercity coach of Express Bus Route 2088 at Keelung Harbor Gateway Plaza. Deputy Mayor Chiu and her team, several city councilors, the Highway Bureau of MOTC, and the Metropolitan Transport Corporation attended the event to witness an important milestone in the electrification of Keelung’s intercity transportation.
At the launch ceremony for the electric intercity coach of Express Bus Route 2088, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation specially demonstrated various operational functions of the new vehicle model. The company also explained that it will continue to work with the Keelung City Government to promote the vehicle electrification replacement program, gradually enhancing the safety standards and environmental performance of its operating fleet.
Deputy Mayor Chiu and other officials also boarded the new electric bus to experience, appreciating its comfort and advanced equipment.
Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin stated that Mayor Hsieh places great importance on the quality of public transportation and environmental sustainability. The launch of electric buses marks the official progress of Keelung, which steps into a new era of safer, more comfortable, and more environmental-friendly urban mobility.
Deputy Mayor Chiu also noted that the Keelung City Government is fully cooperating with the central government’s policy to achieve full electrification of large buses by 2030. Route 2088 (Badouzi – City Government Bus Terminal) is the first national highway bus route to introduce electric buses. The initiative not only enhances the commuting experience for passengers, but also enables intercity transportation to deliver energy-saving and carbon-reduction benefits, laying an important foundation for the future transformation of public transportation in Keelung.
According to Transportation Department Director Chen Yao-chuan, the new electric buses feature low noise levels, zero emissions, and long driving range. They are also equipped with advanced safety systems, including lane departure warning, video surveillance, and emergency braking assistance. Interior upgrades include USB charging ports and more comfortable seating. Each electric bus is expected to reduce approximately 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, making a tangible contribution to improving urban air quality.
Deputy Mayor Chiu concluded by emphasizing that the city government will continue striving to improve public transportation infrastructure and commuter pass subsidies to encourage greater use of public transportation. Currently, within Keelung City, passengers can use the “288 Keelung Commuter Pass” for unlimited rides on city buses and Taiwan Railways services between Keelung and Baifu stations. For travel between Taipei Metropolitan areas, the “1200 Keelung–Taipei–New Taipei–Taoyuan Monthly Pass” offers convenient and cost-effective cross-regional commuting. The city government will also continue optimizing route services to ensure Keelung’s public transportation system becomes more comprehensive, safer, and sustainable.
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台灣新生報