1.Kaohsiung Smart Transportation QR Code
QR Code mobile payment boarding has been fully implemented across the city’s bus system. Passengers may use iPASS MONEY, Easy Wallet, icash Pay, or JKOPay; simply scan once to board a bus, enabling convenient and cashless travel.
2.Four-in-One Integrated Bus System
All buses have been fully equipped with a four-in-one integrated system comprising the on-board real-time operation unit, front destination display, fare validation device, and in-vehicle stop announcement system. Prior to starting a shift, drivers are only required to enter a single route code to complete all system settings, effectively reducing workload and minimizing the risk of input errors, while ensuring the accuracy of real-time bus operation information.
3.Bus Arrival Information Displays
A total of 653 LED smart bus arrival information display units have been installed at MRT stations, bus shelters, and pole-mounted bus stops to present real-time bus arrival information. In addition to enabling passengers to access the latest estimated arrival times and online information, these displays also enhance passenger safety while waiting at night.
4.Promotion of Voice-Enabled “Kaohsiung iBus” Smart Bus Services
Through the “Kaohsiung iBus” App, users can not only check bus service information, but also access YouBike 2.0 station data, including available bicycles and docking spaces. A dedicated LRT dynamic information section has also been added to the homepage, allowing users to check LRT arrival times, real-time vehicle status, and timetables for each station. Other user-friendly features have been optimized, including “vehicle type shown in departure timetables,” “route diversion notifications,” “voice-assisted announcement system,” “nearby bus stops displayed on the homepage,” and “on-board crowding levels,” among many other practical inquiry functions.
To promote green, sustainable, and low-carbon public transportation, and in response to the city’s relatively higher proportion of persons with disabilities and older adults compared to other municipalities, the iBus App—serving as the primary interface for citizens accessing bus services—was comprehensively upgraded. To advance transportation equity and provide a simpler, more intelligent user interface for all citizens, while enabling older adults and persons with disabilities to more easily enjoy public transportation services, the legacy iBus App, which had been in use for 15 years, was replaced with the new Kaohsiung iBus+ Smart Bus Service App. Since its launch, the app has surpassed 50,000 downloads within five months and has been well received by senior citizens and the general public. The app has also received multiple international design recognitions, including the iF Design Award, Japan Good Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, the GDA Awards for Social Impact and Equality, and a nomination for the UX Design Awards 2025, demonstrating Kaohsiung’s innovation and design excellence in intelligent transportation systems.
The new iBus App and the bus information website have been designed to accommodate the needs of older adults and users with physical or visual impairments. An accessibility mode and accessible web pages have been developed in parallel, and accessibility certification has been obtained, providing more comprehensive and convenient public transportation inquiry and transfer services. In addition, a pre-registration mechanism for low-floor bus boarding has been developed, with registration channels available via both the App and the website, offering more user-friendly bus services for older adults and persons with physical or visual impairments. This feature was officially launched on September 9, 2024.
Furthermore, bus arrival voice announcement devices have been installed at 179 bus shelters with high passenger volumes or frequent use by visually impaired passengers, including Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Station, Fengshan Bus Terminal, and Kaohsiung Main Station. The City Government will continue to enhance a more inclusive bus waiting environment. By the end of 2025, it is planned to replace (upgrade) 10 LED displays with voice announcement functions and newly install 200 LED displays equipped with voice announcement capabilities. Going forward, efforts will continue to secure central government subsidies to further deploy voice-enabled real-time bus information facilities at bus stops.
