People planning a trip across the country may consider joining a contest for the most creative tours with the government offering up to NT$1 million (US$31,300) in prizes.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced a plan to spend NT$15 billion (US$469 million) to improve the nation’s transportation infrastructure to encourage use of public bus and railway systems.
The Directorate-General of Highways (DGH), which is sponsoring the contest, put usage of the public transportation system at 13.4 percent, the agency’s deputy director general Chao Hsin-hua (趙興華) said.
“Carbon emissions have risen from 5.5 tonnes per person in 1990 to 12.8 tonnes in 2007. Reducing the use of private transportation will be an effective way to cut the nation’s carbon emissions,” he said.
The DGH has designated four theme tour groups for the around-the-nation contest. First is the “Kuso” group for those who would like to travel across the country in special costumes. Second is the “Cheapest Tour” group, with participants required to look for special hotel or restaurant deals. Third is the “Touchy-feely” group for those interested in telling stories through their travels; participants in this category are encouraged to come up with a plan, such as “capturing 1,000 smiles of strangers.” The fourth is the “bus lover” group for those aiming to travel by using the bus system.
The deadline for applications is Sept. 15, the DGH said. It will select five groups from each category, with each group receiving a subsidy of NT$20,000 to carry out their plans. A panel of judges will select the best from each group, who will receive a prize of NT$100,000 each.
For those who are planning to take shorter tours, they can join the Institute of Transportation’s theme tours contest by uploading their photos and join a NT$190,000 prize draw.
Meanwhile, Fang Sen-te (方森德), secretary general of the Taiwan Public Bus Association, said bus operators were also considering working with the Youth Hostel Association in Taiwan and giving special offers to backpack travelers this winter.
For details about the bus tour, visit www.99taiwan.com.tw/.
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