TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The new public transportation monthly pass (TPASS) has totaled 4.6 million rides among Taiwan's three big "living circles" over the past six days, according to the latest statistics released on Friday (July 7) by the Directorate General of Highways (DGH) under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
Over 2.25 million trips were made in the metro, including light rail, with 2.12 million in northern Taiwan, 32,000 in central Taiwan, and 10,3000 in southern Taiwan.
The second popular option was city buses, accounting for 1.73 million bus rides, of which 1.57 million were made in Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Keelung areas, 121,000 rides in Taichung, Changhua, Nantou and Miaoli areas, and 35,000 in Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung areas.
Taiwan Railways Administration recorded 416,000 trips, while other modes of transportation, such as public bicycles and ferries, were used by 197,000 people.
The DGH revealed that approximately 432,000 individuals had purchased TPASS as of July 6, which reflects a growth of 18,000 new users, signaling a staggering increase in the near future.
The agency further expressed satisfaction with the performance of TPASS across Taiwan, particularly in northern Taiwan. Furthermore, passengers are getting familiar with how to use the pass, and ticket verification systems are also more stable, authorities said.