Nantou "Happiness GO" Service Launches in Puli, Offers Free Rides Until July 31

(CNA, reporter Cheng Wei-chen, Nantou, 20th) The 8th station of "Nantou Happiness GO" officially launched today in Puli Township. A trial operation period will run from today until July 31, during which the public can book free rides, aiming to improve convenience for seniors' medical visits, students' commutes, and general public outings. The Nantou County Government held a launch ceremony, vehicle exhibition, and service briefing for the Puli Township trial operation today, attended by Deputy Magistrate Wang Jui-te, Director of the Taichung District Motor Vehicle Office of the Highway Bureau Yang Tsung-hsien, and others. Wang Jui-te stated that Nantou County's vast area poses challenges for public transportation. The county's promotion of "Nantou Happiness GO" breaks from the past route-centric mindset, shifting to a demand-oriented approach to create a more flexible and intelligent transportation system that truly brings public transit into communities. He thanked the Highway Bureau for its support, noting that central government funding not only ensures the stable operation of existing routes but also enables this service to achieve its goal of covering all 13 townships in the county this year. The Nantou County Transportation Engineering and Management Office stated that the Puli Township service trial will run until July 31, and the public can book free rides in advance. During the trial phase, feedback will be collected from users to continuously optimize schedules, booking mechanisms, and service quality. Regarding future fares, the office said that individuals aged 65 and over can use the Senior and Compassion Card issued by the county's Social and Labor Affairs Department to get a 50% discount. With a monthly subsidy of NT$1,000 per senior, they can effectively ride for free. Student fares will be offered at an 80% of the full fare, with the hope of reducing household transportation expenses. (Editor: Lee Shu-hua)