News

To advance transportation equity in rural areas and enhance mobility for the elderly, the Nantou County Government hosted the "Nantou Happiness GO Trial Operation Launch, Vehicle Showcase, and Service Briefing" on August 5th at the Bazhang Community Hall and Long-Term Care Multi-Functional Service Center in Jiji Township. County Mayor Hsu Shu-Hua, accompanied by Legislator Yu Hao and Chen Chi-Chao, secretary to Legislator Ma Wen-Chun, officially announced the launch of the fifth "Nantou Happiness GO" Happiness Bus Service station in Jiji Township. The county government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the service to all 13 townships in Nantou by the end of next year.

Notable attendees included Chang Hong-Yue, Director of the County Government’s Public Works Department; Wang Ying-Tai, Deputy Director of the Taichung Motor Vehicles Office under the Highway Bureau, MOTC; Jiji Township Mayor Wu Da-Cun; County Councilors Hsieh Ming-Mou, Huang Chun-Lin, Chen Shu-Hui, Wang Chiu-Shu; several township council members; village representatives; and many senior residents who showed strong interest.

County Mayor Hsu stated that since its initial launch in Jhushan, Mingjian, and Lugu Townships last September, the Nantou Happiness GO service has completed over 15,000 trips and served more than 47,000 passengers. Following the recent rollout in Shueili Township, the Jiji Township launch received over 50 reservations on its first day alone. The program’s popularity highlights its effectiveness in addressing the transportation challenges faced by elderly residents, students, and the general public in rural areas. It also reflects the public’s endorsement of the service’s convenience and affordability through active participation.

County Mayor Hsu expressed gratitude to Legislators Yu Hao and Ma Wen-Chun for advocating on behalf of public needs and securing support from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. This year, the initiative received a substantial subsidy of over NT$13 million from the Highway Bureau, enabling continued expansion and allowing residents to enjoy two months of free rides with each new route launch.

To ensure the service aligns with local needs, the County Government’s Transportation Office held a briefing session in June at the Jiji Township Office. Representatives from the township office, village offices, schools, and community development associations were invited to discuss and build consensus on the service’s implementation.

 The Transportation Office explained that the Nantou Happiness GO service in Jiji Township operates on a fully flexible, reservation-based model, with routes tailored to residents’ daily routines. It covers travel within Jiji Township and to neighboring areas including Jhushan, Mingjian, and Shueili. The service provides pre-booked rides in areas without bus routes or during time slots when no scheduled bus service is available within an hour. It also integrates with highway bus routes to facilitate transfers to destinations beyond the local living area.