Auditor-general flags operational issues with Yilan County buses

Yilan County's urban bus system is under scrutiny following a report by the Auditor-General's Office that highlights declining ridership and a high number of operational violations. The county's 5 urban bus operators transported over 2.23 million passengers in 2025, a decrease of more than 20,000 compared to 2024 and 2023 figures, indicating a persistent downward trend in usage.

The audit revealed that while the average on-time performance rate for bus services across the county meets the 90% requirement, some individual operators have fallen far short. For instance, Metropolitan Transport Co. had monthly on-time rates ranging from 57% to 73% for 11 months, and Crown Bus Co. saw rates between 51% and 76% for the entire year. This inconsistency in service reliability is a significant concern.

Furthermore, the report detailed a concerning number of public complaints related to bus operations. Among these, issues such as "schedule irregularities (no-shows, early departures, or delays)" were frequent. More alarmingly, there were 46 cases involving "other traffic violations affecting driving safety" and "speeding," posing direct risks to public safety.

In response, the Yilan County Government stated it will continuously review and optimize bus routes. Routes with consistently low ridership may be consolidated or adjusted. The county will also strengthen its oversight of bus operators, holding monthly meetings to address performance and compliance issues. Penalties for violations will be increased according to contract terms to ensure improved service quality and safety.