In a vibrant push to boost tourism ahead of the 2025 World Masters Games, New Taipei City officially launched a sightseeing bus service in the Ruifang area on Sunday, offering unlimited daily rides for just NT$49 (US$1.5).

The service is expected to bring a fresh wave of visitors to Ruifang’s iconic attractions while providing easy, affordable, and festive transportation themed with the beloved capybara motif.

🔥 One-line Bullet Points:

• New Taipei City launched a sightseeing bus in Ruifang for NT$49 unlimited rides.
• Bus No. 177 decorated with capybara theme ahead of the 2025 World Masters Games.
• Covers Jiufen Old Street, Jinguashi Gold Museum, Shen’ao Fishing Port, and more.
• Free rides offered to international athletes attending the Games.
• 35,000 commemorative transit cards issued for Bus No. 177.
• Bus runs weekends till May 16, then daily during May 17–Aug. 16 Games period.
• Tourists can reserve electronic tickets via the official Taipei Fun Pass website.
• Transfers via TPass, electronic tickets, or cash are accepted.

Capybara-themed Bus Brings Ruifang’s Attractions Closer

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) presided over the launch ceremony, announcing the debut of Bus No. 177, a specially decorated sightseeing bus. The bus is covered in cheerful capybara-themed artwork — a nod to Ruifang’s nearby natural landmark now called “Capybara Rock” (formerly the famous Elephant Trunk Rock, which partially collapsed last year).

The bus links some of the most beloved tourist spots in Ruifang, including:

• Jiufen Old Street — the charming mountain village with narrow alleyways, teahouses, and traditional shops.
• Jinguashi Gold Museum — highlighting Taiwan’s gold mining history.
• Shen’ao Fishing Port — home to fresh seafood and coastal beauty.

Passengers can also access discounts and exclusive perks when visiting these attractions, further encouraging exploration of Ruifang’s rich culture and history.

Service Schedule and Ticketing Details

Until May 16, the sightseeing bus operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Starting May 17, the first day of the World Masters Games, it will shift to a daily schedule through August 16 to handle the influx of international tourists and athletes.

Each day, there are 10 round-trip services:

• Departures from Resident Square (Eastbound) start at 9:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day.
• The final return trip leaves the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology at 5:15 p.m..

Travelers can board the sightseeing bus using multiple payment methods:

• TPass (monthly transit pass)
• Electronic tickets (reservation required via Fun Pass website)
• Cash payments
• Transfer discounts and senior citizens’ cards are also accepted.

Tourists coming from downtown Taipei are advised to take either:

• Taiwan Railway to Ruifang Station, or
• Bus 1061 or 1062 to connect easily to the sightseeing bus route.

World Masters Games: A Major Boost for Greater Taipei

The 2025 World Masters Games, running from May 17 to May 30, are expected to bring tens of thousands of athletes and visitors to Greater Taipei, covering Taipei City and New Taipei City.

New Taipei’s initiative with the sightseeing bus reflects the city’s broader commitment to providing world-class transportation infrastructure, enhancing the visitor experience, and promoting local tourism hubs that might otherwise be overlooked by first-time visitors.

The 35,000 commemorative transit cards issued for Bus No. 177 not only act as functional tickets but also as souvenirs of the historic Games event. For international athletes, this offers a cost-free and convenient way to explore Ruifang.

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