The Taichung City Government Transportation Bureau overcame challenges in terrain, regulations, and driver recruitment to extend Happy Bus service to Lishan, enabling bus operations at Taichung's highest altitude. This opened the door to convenient mountain public transportation. Although serving a smaller population, it represents Taichung Mayor Shiu-Yen Lu 's significant achievement in completing the last mile of transportation for rural areas. As the winners of CommonWealth Magazine's second “CommonWealth City Governance Excellence Award” were announced, the “Lishan Happy Bus” project won the 2024 Excellence Award in the Social Progress category, making it the only transportation bureau among the six major cities to receive this honor. Transportation Bureau Director Chao-Fu Yeh stated that the city government team's collaborative efforts for happiness have made Taichung's achievements visible!

Director Yeh mentioned that Mayor Lu prioritizes public transportation in Lishan, overcoming environmental, financial, and human resource challenges. Rural transportation is also part of bus service coverage, as fundamental mobility rights should not differ between urban and rural areas. The Lishan Happy Bus project demonstrates an innovative rural transportation solution, successfully transforming private unlicensed vehicles into legal green-based white-lettered license plates. This project resolved transportation difficulties following the 921 Earthquake and established a sustainable “locals serving locals” model, winning the judges' favor.

Director Yeh noted that the CommonWealth City Governance Excellence Award, organized by CommonWealth Magazine, references the UN's SDGs Sustainable Development Goals. It evaluates projects in three categories - “Social Progress,” “Environmental Protection,” and “Economic Growth”- across four dimensions: “Implementation Effectiveness,” “Innovation,” “Sustainability,” and “Cross-sector Collaboration.” The competition solicited outstanding city governance projects from 22 counties and cities. This edition received 196 project submissions and underwent a three-stage evaluation by credible expert judges over several months, ultimately selecting 21 outstanding projects. The Lishan Happy Bus was the only winning project among the transportation bureaus of the six major cities.

Director Yeh noted that since taking office, Mayor Lu has actively improved transportation in the Lishan area. Despite not having the most extensive passenger base, it represents the city government's most significant achievement in fulfilling its promise of “Love in Lishan, Barrier-free Transportation.” The Lishan Happy Bus helps indigenous residents travel between four major tribal villages, supporting daily needs for education, medical care, and shopping. The “happiness” initiative has recently expanded to provide Lishan Happy Bus charter services for tourism, making it more convenient for visitors from across Taiwan to explore Lishan.

The Transportation Bureau explained that the Lishan Happy Bus project established the nation's first local operation model based on locals serving locals, creating employment opportunities for returning youth, and driving Regional Revitalization. The project utilizes technology-based matching platforms to enhance operational efficiency and helps create a sustainable and livable city through public-private sector and regional cooperation. This recognition demonstrates to citizens the innovative solutions provided by the city government and their implementation of local influence.

Director Yeh noted that residents can book the Lishan Happy Bus by downloading the “Lishan Happy Bus” APP or calling the reservation hotline at 04-25981266. Electronic ticket card usage is free. He also reminded the public that weather conditions quickly affect mountain roads, and users can receive real-time route suspension notifications through the Lishan Happy Bus APP. The public can call the dedicated line at 04-25981266 for detailed service information.