13 Provincial Road Sections Face Severe Congestion on Final Holiday Travel Day; Bus Discounts Offered

As the Labor Day holiday draws to a close, Taiwan's roads are bracing for a significant surge in traffic as citizens return to their cities. The Directorate General of Highways (DGH) has identified 13 provincial highway sections expected to become traffic bottlenecks on May 3rd, the final day of the long weekend. These critical zones include major intercity routes, connections to the national freeway system, and roads leading to popular scenic spots. The DGH anticipates a heavy flow of vehicles heading back towards urban centers, particularly in the afternoon and evening. To mitigate the expected gridlock and encourage sustainable travel, the DGH is promoting public transportation options. Notably, national highway bus services are offering discounts of up to 60% (a 40% reduction) for travelers. Further incentives, such as rebates for frequent users of the TPASS 2.0 travel card, can bring the effective discount up to 40%. The DGH has coordinated with bus operators to ensure sufficient capacity and is implementing traffic management strategies like alternative route guidance and signal timing adjustments to ease congestion. While the holiday offers a welcome respite, the return journey presents a familiar challenge for travelers across the island.