I noticed that contrary to the MRT its very difficult to find a public bus map of Taipei or anywhere in Taiwan for that matter. Some say there is far too many lines for a proper readable map. But Google transit does a good job with finding trips/no maps.
I hear that local Bus lines these days arn’t that important for most anymore as there are so many other options these days(post MRT/2000s) despite the fact the MRT system doesn’t go to as many places as buses do. Once upon a time or (pre MRT days) buses were always extremely packed in Taipei. I notice these days Buses are typically used when MRT routing is quite inconvienent especialy retirees who prefer not to drive or riding motos anymore. And sometimes students commuting to and from school.
As for long distance buses, I remember prior to HSR many long distance bus lines formed to compete with TRA and official highway adminstration buses(don’t think they exist anymore). Originally they were illegally operated or called Wild chicken buses. Than they became licensed and very popular, Taipei even built a whole bus station/mall/residential complex for them. Some of those buses resemble business class air travel or limousine travel. Though since HSR they suffered a blow, even though they cost half the ticket price. Many seem to focus on late hour travel(trains stop running) and holidays. Since COVID I heard many severely cut back routes in fact Aloha has disappeared completely after running only two routes.
I haven’t been back in Taiwan for a while I be curious what lines are still standing these days? And their schedule? Anyone have any info. If I go back I would try to use time difference to my advantage to travel at night.
is HO shin still in operation? I heard they were the most luxurious of the group even ahead of Aloha but drawback is they run less routes. Be curious whether they still run routes from Taipei especially during those hours between midnight and 6am when HSR/TRA is not available?