TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport has applied to suspend eight medium- and long-distance highway bus routes from Taipei to southern destinations such as Kaohsiung and Tainan.
Amid competition from Taiwan High Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways, highway bus ridership has declined, placing operators under financial strain, per CNA. Kuo-Kuang has twice delayed salary payments in the past six months and still owes more than NT$2 billion (US$65 million) in debt, even after repaying some bank loans.
The company recently applied to discontinue 14 loss-making routes, six of which — including services to Kaohsiung and Kenting — will be transferred to Pingtung Bus Co. and Kaohsiung Bus Co. The remaining eight routes will be taken over by Ubus starting Sept. 8.
The Directorate General of Highways said the eight routes are: 1838 Taipei–Kaohsiung, 1837 Taipei–Tainan, 1872 Taichung–Kaohsiung, 1836 Taipei–Xinying, 1839 Taipei–Pingtung, 1873 Taichung–Pingtung, 1871 Taichung–Tainan, and 1862 Taoyuan–Kaohsiung. Ubus will maintain the original frequency on six of the routes, while the other two will initially operate only during peak hours on weekdays and holidays.
The DGH added that Ho-Hsin Bus will increase service on overlapping routes — 7500 Taipei–Tainan, 7513 Taipei–Kaohsiung, 7505 Banqiao–Tainan, and 7512 Xinying–Kaohsiung — adding one to 10 trips per day depending on demand. This will ensure overall corridor capacity remains sufficient.
Passengers with prepaid tickets can request refunds at any Kuo-Kuang station starting Tuesday. Full refunds will be issued at face value with no fees. Credit card holders must bring the original card to the counter, and tickets cannot be transferred to other operators.
The DGH said growing rail services, changing passenger habits, and a severe shortage of bus drivers have made operating highway routes increasingly difficult. It added it will continue working with bus operators to optimize routes and streamline services to balance passenger rights with operational efficiency.
