TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung will keep the TPASS transit program operating by using local funds, despite the legislature not yet passing the Cabinet’s 2026 budget.

The city government said Wednesday that current local funding can cover operations through the end of January, and riders’ public transport rights will not be affected. It added that the city will first tap self-raised funds and keep paying transport operators under existing rules.

The TPASS program is jointly funded by central and local governments, but central subsidies have not yet been allocated this year. The city government said it has met with Changhua, Nantou, and Miaoli to reach an early agreement on how to carry on and pay operators on time.

Liberty Times and Commercial Times reported Wednesday that the city's transport bureau Director-General Yeh Chao-fu (葉昭甫) said the TPASS has sold more than 870,000 passes since its launch over two years ago, with about 28,000 sold each month. He said sales remain steady and show strong demand.

“Taichung City Council has passed the city’s TPASS budget for this year, and the city will keep pushing the program in line with central policy,” the transport bureau said. The city said it will stay in touch with central authorities on the 2026 budget and adjust plans as needed to mitigate any impact on riders.