Fostering co-prosperity in Central Taiwan! Taichung City Government and Nantou County Government held the "Taichung Pass・Connected to Nantou" press conference in Caotun, Nantou today (23rd). Witnessed by Taichung Mayor Shiu-Yen Lu and Nantou County Magistrate Shu-Hua Hsu, they officially launched the Taichung-Nantou Smart Living Circle, implementing cross-regional governance and resource integration to realize the vision of smart city co-prosperity. "There's only digital, no distance!" Digital Affairs Bureau of the Taichung City Government announced that the Taichung digital citizen service platform "Taichung Pass" is officially expanding to serve Nantou County residents, connecting various government convenience digital services to break regional limitations and create a smart Taichung-Nantou living circle.

Mayor Lu noted that "Taichung Pass" has reached 2.77 million downloads, achieving remarkable success. Many counties and cities have sought advice for cooperation and reference. County Magistrate Hsu suggested that rather than each county developing its system, integrating the two regions' platforms would reduce duplicate construction and waste of the national budget, thus establishing "Taichung Pass" as a shared platform for both Taichung and Nantou.

"Sharing resources!" Mayor Lu pointed out that many residents of Taichung and Nantou already have closely connected lifestyles, whether in terms of schooling, commuting, payment systems, or library resource sharing, which have significantly increased convenience for residents of both regions. Today's press conference represents Taichung and Nantou's connectivity, with hopes to integrate all central Taiwan counties and cities in the future for more effective use of government resources and increased benefits and convenience for residents.

Nantou County Magistrate Shu-Hua Hsu indicated that Nantou County Government has learned from Taichung's digital governance policies, jointly creating a smart living circle through the Taichung Pass platform. Beyond increasing convenience in schooling and commuting for residents of both regions, sharing tourism resources can also promote Nantou's attractions, allowing more Taichung citizens to discover Nantou. In contrast, Nantou residents can enjoy Taichung Pass membership benefits. She thanked Mayor Lu for letting Nantou join the initiative and hoped for more cooperation and resource sharing in Central Taiwan's smart integration platform.

Digital Affairs Bureau Director Gu-Long Lin stated that since its launch, "Taichung Pass" has been continuously optimized and upgraded, accumulating 1.68 million members and becoming an indispensable digital partner in residents' lives. This cooperation breaks administrative regional limitations, continuously expanding the service scope. "Taichung Pass" provides various digital services, including online applications, payment services, and special offers, allowing residents to experience convenient "one-device city services" across Taichung and Nantou.

Nantou County Planning Department Director Shao-Wei Chiu mentioned that both Taichung and Nantou residents can access diverse digital lifestyle services through the "Taichung Pass" APP. This exemplifies the "Taichung-Nantou Mutual Prosperity" initiative and promotes regional cooperation. In the future, Nantou residents can use Taichung Pass to borrow library books, pay bills, use e-counter services, answer Nantou parking fee inquiries, and make Happy Bus reservations. Additionally, Taichung Pass has partnerships with over 1,300 contracted stores, including more than 100 in Nantou. Residents must only present their digital citizen virtual card to enjoy exclusive benefits at contracted stores in both regions.

The event featured displays from numerous well-known brands partnered with Taichung Pass, including " Umai Yakiniku," " Howard Prince Hotel Taichung," " Like Tea Shop," "SMOK Dessert Studio," " Pretty Wife Eat Cheese," and " Sky Fish Cheesecake." Mayor Lu and County Magistrate Hsu personally experienced the "Show Taichung Pass for Special Offers" function, creating a joyful and warm atmosphere at the venue.

The event was attended by Taichung representatives, including Mayor Shiu-Yen Lu, Taichung City Councilors Shih-Chou Liu, Pi-Hsiu Lin, and Ai-Shan Chiu, Digital Affairs Bureau Director Gu-Long Lin, Information Bureau Director Chih-Yi Luan, and Research, Development and Evaluation Commission Chairman Yen-Lei Liu. From Nantou, attendees included County Magistrate Shu-Hua Hsu, Legislator Ma Wen-Chun, Nantou Councilor Ru-Yang Lin, Nantou County Planning Department Director Shao-Wei Chiu, Information Department Director Ming-Chih Tsai, and Nantou City Mayor Chia-Chie Chang. Representatives from Legislator Yu Hao's office and Taichung City Councilor Lin Pei-Han's service office also participated in the celebration.