Compared to Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taichung's public transit system is much more limited. There is no MRT system but bus service is frequent on Taizhonggang road from the train station to the west side of town. Buses also run frequently from the train station along SanMin Road to BeiTun District. As of May 2009, a more improved bus system has been implemented but only runs until 10pm. Most fares are about NT25 per ride. An refillable fare card is available but not required.
As of summer 2010, eight bus lines Routes #51-58 run from various points around the city free of charge. A few of these routes require a traveler to walk several hundred meters to the northeast along JianGuo Road to reach the beginning of these free routes.
Traveling by scooter is the most convenient option. For those with a Taiwanese driver's license, renting a scooter can be done. Otherwise, you will need to take taxis. Taxis are convenient, and fares start at NT$85 at flagfall. Tips are not required. The downtown area is sufficiently compact to make it easy to get around on foot, although many shop owners will utilize the sidewalk in front of their business. This can make walking something of an ordeal, dodging traffic as you are forced to walk on the street.
An MRT system in the city is under construction and the first line from the High speed Rail Station to Fengyuan should be completed somewhere in 2014. The future completed Taichung MRT will have stations at the Science Park, New Taichung City Hall, Taichung Convention Center, Shui-Nan Financial District, High Speed Rail Staion, Taichung International Airport, and more.
The Central Cross-Island Highway Provincial Highway Number 8 remains closed between Guguan and Deji since the major earthquake on 1999-09-21. As repairs are underway, traveling between Dongshi District and Lishan Village in Heping District on the road requires a long detour through Puli, Nantou County. Prepare to allow at least 4 hours for the extra travel on the mountainous roads.
