The joint-operated "9026" bus route, which was previously operated by Capital Bus and Metropolitan Bus, will change ownership. Due to long-term losses and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on commuting patterns, the two companies decided that January 19, 2023 would be the last day of operation for the route. They thanked all the passengers who had supported the route over the years.
In response to the termination of service by Capital Bus and Metropolitan Bus, the Directorate General of Highways has reissued the route and granted joint operation to the Fuho Bus and Royal Bus companies. The route started operation on January 20, 2023 to ensure that public transportation services were not interrupted and to protect people’s right to travel.
Unlike the previous operator's route, the newly acquired operating team has planned the route to depart from Keelung and pass through the urban area of Xizhi before arriving at the MRT Nangang Exhibition Center. After receiving feedback from Keelung City government and local representatives, the Directorate General of Highways and Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office coordinated and communicated with the operator to plan for the coexistence of both new and old routes. In the future, "9026" will be the main line from Xizhi's urban area to the MRT Nangang Exhibition Center, while "9026A" will serve as a branch line to follow the previous route operated by the Capital and Metropolitan Bus Company to Nangang Station. This arrangement not only meets the new needs of Keelung residents traveling to and from Xizhi but also takes into account the rights of existing passengers. We hope to receive feedback and support from both old and new customers.
The Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office stated that in addition to fulfilling the supervisory responsibilities of the competent authority, it will also actively listen to passengers’ opinions and local demands, serving as a communication bridge between operators and passengers to create a new route that benefits both the supply and demand sides.