TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kuo Kuang Motor Transport has applied to suspend 14 routes, including six connecting Kaohsiung and Kenting.

The Directorate General of Highways has approved the six Kaohsiung–Kenting routes, which will operate until Aug. 30, CNA reported. From Aug. 31, they will be taken over by other bus companies.

Kuo Kuang General Manager Ren Ji-nan (任季男) said talks are still underway regarding the remaining eight routes, including services from Taipei and Taichung to Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung.

Bus terminals along the 14 routes are expected to be transferred at the end of August or early September, with details still being finalized with Kuo Kuang, DGH said. The routes have been losing nearly NT$190 million annually.

The suspensions come as intercity bus ridership has declined with more travelers opting for high-speed rail and regular trains. Kuo Kuang has delayed salary payments twice in the past six months, and even after repaying bank loans, it still owes more than NT$2 billion (US$6.33 million).