New Taipei launches sightseeing bus ahead of 2025 World Masters Games

Taipei, April 27 (CNA) New Taipei launched a sightseeing bus in the Ruifang area on Sunday, offering unlimited daily rides for NT$49 (US$1.5) in anticipation of the 2025 World Masters Games in Greater Taipei.

At the launch ceremony, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) announced that the city has issued 35,000 commemorative transit cards for Bus No. 177, which will be free for international athletes attending the Games, set to take place from May 17-30.

The new bus, decorated with a capybara motif, provides access to popular Ruifang attractions such as Jiufen Old Street, Jinguashi Gold Museum, and Shen'ao Fishing Port, with discounts and perks available for passengers.

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.

Currently, the bus operates every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until May 16. From May 17 to Aug. 16, during the World Masters Games, it will 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 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with the final return trip leaving the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology at 5:15 p.m., 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 https://funpass.travel.taipei/tour/y1D8.

Passengers can use TPass, electronic tickets, or cash to board, with transfer discounts and senior citizens' cards also accepted, according to the city government.