New Taipei City launched a sightseeing bus in the Rueifang District (瑞芳) yesterday, offering unlimited daily rides for NT$49 in anticipation of the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei and New Taipei City.
At the launch ceremony, New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) announced that the city has issued 35,000 commemorative transit cards for Bus No. 177, which would be free for international athletes attending the Games, set to take place from May 17 to 30.
The new bus, decorated with a capybara motif, provides access to popular Rueifang attractions such as Jiufen Old Street, Jinguashi Gold Museum and Shenao Fishing Port, with discounts and perks available for passengers.
Photo copied by CNA
Near the fishing port, tourists can visit the famous “Capybara Rock,” renamed after the arch of the original “Elephant Trunk Rock” collapsed into the sea last year.
The bus operates every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until May 16. From May 17 to Aug. 16, it would run daily to accommodate visitors, before returning to weekend and public holiday service after the games.
The sightseeing bus offers 10 round-trip services a day, departing from Resident Square (eastbound) between 9am and 4:30pm, with the final return trip leaving the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology at 5:15pm, the city government said.
Visitors traveling from downtown Taipei are recommended to take a Taiwan Railway train to Ruifang Station, or buses 1061 or 1062 to make the connection.
For more information and to reserve electronic tickets for a specific date, visit funpass.travel.taipei/tour/y1D8.
Passengers can use TPass, electronic tickets or cash to board, with transfer discounts and senior citizens’ cards also accepted, the city government said.
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