Did you forget to bring your citizen-exclusive transportation card when taking the bus? No worries! Starting March 21, the Taichung City Government is introducing the Citizen-Exclusive QR Code, making bus travel even easier with just a smartphone. At a press conference today (10th), the Transportation Bureau shared this exciting news. With mobile payments becoming more widespread, the public will soon be able to link their QR Code via the “Taichung Go” app. Just scan your phone to board and enjoy the Double Ten bus discount!
According to Transportation Bureau Director Yeh Chao-fu, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen places great importance on the quality of public transportation, as bus convenience and safety are key indicators of a city's progress. To keep up with the digital era, Taichung has fully upgraded its bus ticket validators. Passengers can now pay not only with e-voucher cards like EasyCard, iPASS, and icash but also with various QR code payment methods, including MaaS Time-based QR Combo Tickets, Easy Wallet, iPASS MONEY, and icash Pay. This enhancement provides even greater convenience for the millions of residents who have already linked their transportation cards.
Director Yeh announced that the city government is introducing the Citizen-Exclusive QR Code, a virtual version of the citizen transportation card. In the future, eligible residents won’t need to carry a physical card—they can just scan and pay with their phone when getting on and off the bus. This initiative enhances the bus travel experience, promotes mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), and represents a new milestone for Taichung’s public transportation.
According to Director Yeh, to enhance user experience, the “Taichung Bus” and “Taichung go” apps will be merged into the upgraded “Taichung Go” app. This upgraded app will keep essential features like real-time bus tracking and fare inquiries while integrating login and ticket purchase functions from “Taichung go.” It will also introduce additional tools like transportation info, travel planning, and itinerary exploration. The Citizen-Exclusive QR Code will be included as well, ensuring a seamless connection between transportation, dining, shopping, and tourism, further advancing Taichung’s smart transportation network.
Director Yeh added that citizens aged 12 and above can link their account to Easy Wallet, iPASS MONEY, or icash Pay through the “Taichung Go” app. Once linked, they can generate a Citizen-Exclusive QR Code and continue enjoying the Double Ten bus discount. The first 3,000 users to complete account linking between March 21 and May 20 will receive a convenience store shopping voucher or a free cup of coffee, while the 10,000th user to complete account linking will get an additional NT$3,000 gift card. This initiative not only makes bus travel easier but also offers attractive rewards. Additionally, e-payment providers will introduce various promotional offers to encourage citizens to link their account, download the Easy Wallet, iPASS MONEY, or icash Pay apps, and experience the new tap-and-go QR Code feature.
The Transportation Bureau reminds that identity verification is required before using the Citizen-Exclusive QR Code. However, those who already have a physical citizen-exclusive transportation card are exempt from this verification process. For more details, please visit the Taichung Go official website (https://www.taichung-go.tw/ch/index). The Taichung City Government invites the public to experience the convenience of the citizen-exclusive QR Code and make the most of this new service!
Today’s press conference was attended by Taichung City Transportation Bureau Director Ye Zhao-fu, along with City Council members Yang Da-hong, Qiu Ai-shan, and Liu Shi-zhou. Representatives were also sent by Legislator Liao Wei-xiang, City Council members Huang Xin-hui, Chen Ting-xiu, Wu Qiong-hua, Gu Xiu-ying, Zheng Gong-jin, Lin Pei-han, Chen Wen-zheng, and Yang Dian-zhong’s service team to show their support.