Economic Daily News / reported by Weng Yung-chuan
The Capital Bus Group has responded to government policy by introducing 33 brand-new intercity electric coaches through its subsidiary, Metropolitan Transport. These vehicles have been deployed on the Route 2088 highway coach service, marking the first case of electric buses operating on a national highway route in Taiwan. The initiative not only contributes to carbon reduction and improved service quality, but also benefits daily commuters traveling between Keelung and the Taipei–New Taipei metropolitan area.
On December 3, Metropolitan Transport held a grand inauguration ceremony at Keelung Harbor Plaza. Chairman Lee Bo-wen expressed his gratitude to Director Lin Fu-shan of the Highway Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Keelung Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin, as well as the Keelung City Government and City Council for their subsidies and support. He also emphasized that the coordination of legislator Lin Pei-yang in facilitating power connections and the installation of chargers was a crucial contribution.
In addition, special thanks were extended to Professor Wang Chin-yuan of the Department of Transportation and Logistics Management at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, and teacher Wang Chang-juan of Keelung Girls’ Senior High School, who voluntarily provided optimization suggestions during the project. Their contributions played an important role in achieving the high ridership performance of Route 2088.
The electrification of transportation is one of Taiwan’s key strategies for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. While the government has been promoting the electrification of city buses, subsidy programs have now been expanded to include electric buses on national highway routes. Lin Fu-shan, Director of the Highway Bureau and a key advocate behind the initiative, stated in his remarks that the bureau places great importance on highway coach services. Recently, it introduced TPASS 2.0+, which provides frequent-traveler discounts for medium- and long-distance coaches as well as eastern Taiwan bus routes, demonstrating the government’s commitment to both operators and passengers. He also noted that Keelung’s public transportation system ranks among the leading cities in Taiwan, and assured that the central government will fully support future transportation needs of Keelung residents. His remarks were met with warm applause from local attendees. Ms. Wang, one of the audience, praising the central government official for being approachable and attentive to public concerns.
Metropolitan Transport Chairman Lee Bo-wen, Director Lin Fu-shan of the Highway Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Keelung Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin, several city councilors, Legislator Lin Pei-hsiang, Metropolitan Transport Standing Director Kao Kuei-ching, Capital Bus Vice Chairperson Lee Ting-na, Chairman of Master Transportation Bus Manufacturing Ltd., Wu Ting-fa, and Chairman of Sincere International Mass Transportation Vehicle Ltd. Yu Li-ching attended the inauguration ceremony. Photo by Weng Yung-chuan.
Lee Bo-wen stated that Metropolitan Transport launched Route 2088 ten years ago, operating via the national highway between Taipei City Hall Bus Station and Keelung. At the time, the market was not optimistic about the route. However, nowadays, it has up to 8,100 passengers daily, making it the busiest highway coach route in Taiwan. The fleet size has also expanded from the initial 22 units to 46 units today. Metropolitan Transport continues to improve its services. This time, the company has replaced 33 buses on Route 2088 with brand-new electric buses that produce neither noise nor exhaust emissions, all units were manufactured by Master Transportation Bus Manufacturing Ltd. Each Electric coach provides 42 seats and is equipped with spacious luggage compartments and an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), offering a safer and more comfortable ride while significantly reducing breakdown rates and maintenance needs.
Legislator Lin Pei-yang, whom Lee described as someone who “appears unexpectedly at highway coach stops,” is a local representative with a deep understanding of Keelung’s commuting patterns. Of the city’s population of about 350,000, roughly 170,000 are part of the workforce, with around 110,000 people driving or taking trains every day to work outside the city. To help ease traffic congestion, Lin encourages greater use of public transportation. Route 2088 passes major destinations including Keelung Miaokou Night Market, Badouzi Fishing Harbor, and the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, and is capable of providing around 20% of the transportation capacity for commuters. He also expressed hope that continued improvements in public transportation will allow residents who work outside the city to return home 15 minutes earlier to enjoy dinner with their families.
Metropolitan Transport Chairman Lee Bo-wen, Highway Bureau Director Lin Fu-shan of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Keelung Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin, and Legislator Lin Pei-hsiang spoke with the media in a joint interview after the event. Photo by Weng Yung-chuan.
TPASS 2.0, launched on December 1, has been welcomed as a major benefit for the public and has attracted significant attention from passengers. Lee Bo-wen stated that with the NT$1,200 TPASS unlimited travel plan, riders who take 11 to 30 trips will receive a 15% rebate, while the 31st trip onward is effectively discounted to about 25% off the regular fare.
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