Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Tainan City Government has decided to preemptively suspend Tainan Express services starting April 1. The shuttle service which runs between Tainan City and Kaohsiung International Airport has been very well-received by travelers since its launch on January 15 this year. However, operation statistics show that nearly 85% of arrival and departure flights at the airport have been canceled during the mid-March period owning to the outbreak. In addition, travel notices for countries including China, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have been raised to Level 3: Warning (advises against all nonessential travel), foreign nationals are barred from entering the country, and Taiwan citizens are required to complete a 14-day home quarantine after entering Taiwan. Speculating that the number of arriving and departing travelers will not return to their original status in the short run, Tainan City Government has decided to temporarily suspend Taiwan Express shuttle services starting April 1. In the meantime, staff will continue to monitor flight statuses and conduct rolling reviews to be ready to resume services when appropriate. After the pandemic, the shuttle will continue to provide convenient transportation services to travelers.
Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau expressed that during the pandemic, the Bureau and bus operators are continuously enhancing epidemic prevention management measures and optimizing services, for example, rolling out iPASS card and EasyCard payment schemes. Nevertheless, the global pandemic has forced countries to raise travel warnings. Many flights to and from Kaohsiung International Airport cannot resume their normal schedule, consequently leading to a drop in arriving and departing travelers and shuttle transportation demands. Considering its overall operation efficiency, the airport has decided to suspend services beginning April 1. Staff will continue to monitor flight statuses and be prepared to resume shuttle services promptly when suitable.
Travelers who have reserved seats for shuttles running after April 1 will be notified via email by the booking system and receive full refunds. Assistance for transportation rearrangements will be provided upon request as well. Bus operators also offer support through 24-hour customer service windows, toll-free service line (0800-889-116), and Line account (@ibus.tw).