Taichung’s electric bus network continues to expand! In October, the city added 10 new electric buses to enhance transport capacity along Routes 12, 63, 206, 207, 208, 220, and 900, serving both urban and mountain districts. According to the Taichung City Government’s Transportation Bureau, as of the end of October this year, a total of 315 electric buses have been deployed. With an additional 309 vehicles already approved by the central government, a projected total of 624 electric buses will be gradually introduced into public transportation services. With the city’s current fleet totaling 1,280 buses, electric buses now account for 48%—nearly half of all buses—marking significant progress toward the goal of achieving a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.
Transportation Bureau Director Yeh Chao-fu noted that Fengyuan Bus Transportation, which has been deeply involved in Taichung’s public transportation system for many years, has procured a new fleet of electric buses manufactured by Tron Energy Technology Corporation. These buses are primarily assigned to Routes 12, 63, 206, 207, 208, 220, and 900, covering an extensive service area that passes through the districts of Fengyuan, Tanzih, Daya, Shengang, Dongshi, Shigang, Heping, Xitun, and Beitun. These electric buses offer convenient and high-quality public transportation services for residents while encouraging them to support sustainability in their daily lives. The overall quality and comfort have been well received by the public.
Director Yeh noted that Taichung City’s efforts to promote electric buses have resulted in the deployment of more than 300 units, with half of the city’s bus fleet expected to become electric in the future. Recently, incidents of electric buses catching fire or emitting smoke have occurred in northern Taiwan. In light of the distinct characteristics of electric vehicles compared with traditional buses in terms of disaster prevention, the Transportation Bureau collaborated with the Fire Bureau, bus operators, and vehicle manufacturers to conduct three emergency response drills for electric bus incidents. These drills simulated various incident scenarios—such as “during charging” and “while in operation”—to strengthen preventive measures and reduce potential risks. Through these realistic simulations, the city government aims to enhance the emergency response capabilities of drivers, passengers, and firefighters, thereby reinforcing the overall safety network of the public transportation system.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has been actively promoting the “Blue Skies and White Clouds Action Plan,” in which electric buses serve as a key indicator for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The Transportation Bureau has been encouraging bus operators to participate in the fleet renewal program, advancing toward the goal of “full electrification of urban buses by 2030.” The number of electric buses in Taichung has risen significantly—from 21% last year to 48% today, more than doubling in growth—demonstrating tangible progress toward low-carbon transportation. Electric bus routes will continue to expand across the city’s mountain, coastal, and urban districts.
The Transportation Bureau explained that, to enhance the overall recognizability of electric buses, Taichung City has adopted a unified design for the front and rear of all electric buses, featuring a “white background with a green lightning bolt” motif. This allows the public to quickly identify electric buses and encourages greater use of public transportation. Moreover, bus routes serving key administrative districts, schools, hospitals, and major transit hubs have been prioritized for fleet replacement, enabling broader user coverage and encouraging people to choose electric buses.
(11/14*8) *Contact: Mr. Liang, Transportation Bureau, Taichung City Government
Tel: 04-22289111 ext. 61214