TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Uber reported a threefold increase in both passenger numbers and trips in Kaohsiung since launching in the city in 2022, with a 25% annual increase in professional drivers from local partner fleets in 2025 enabling users to secure rides within an average of five minutes. Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second-largest city and a major southern port hub.
The company's data highlights THSR Zuoying Station (高鐵左營站), Taiwan's high-speed rail terminal in Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung International Airport (高雄機場), and Kaohsiung Main Station (高雄火車站) as the top drop-off points. Popular pick-up locations include The Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區), E SKY MALL (義享時尚廣場), and Dream Mall (夢時代). The route between THSR Zuoying Station and the Kaohsiung Arena (高雄巨蛋) has grown popular, reflecting demand for shuttle services driven by large-scale events.
Uber Eats data shows Kaohsiung residents order minced pork rice (肉燥飯), a popular Taiwanese comfort food, 47% more frequently than Taipei residents. Pot Burn Noodles (鍋燒意麵) orders in Kaohsiung are eight times higher than in Taipei, reflecting unique local culinary preferences. Kaohsiung leads in Taiwanese Fried Chicken (鹹酥雞) delivery demand in southern Taiwan, with black tea beverage purchases more than double those in Taipei.
Kaohsiung's fresh produce sales grew by 28% in 2025, ranking the city among Taiwan's top three in growth. Starting Friday (March 13), iPASS MONEY (一卡通), a Taiwan-based digital payment platform, collaborates with nine tea brands to offer up to 50% cashback for users meeting spending criteria by Saturday (April 12), with an additional 10% cashback through select credit cards. ◼