New taipei: Four new bus routes have been launched that cross New Taipei's Danjiang Bridge, providing 80 daily services between Banqiao and Tamsui, Tamsui and Taoyuan International Airport, and Tamsui and Bali. The new routes, designated 988, 989, 990, and 115, began operating Thursday, nearly a month after the Danjiang Bridge opened to traffic.

According to Focus Taiwan, Route 988 connects Banqiao Bus Station and Danhai New Town with 20 services each way on weekdays and 18 each way on weekends. Airport routes 989 and 990 provide 10 services each way between Taoyuan Airport, Danhai New Town, and Tamsui Metro Station.

The 115 route will operate as a commuter service between Tamsui and Bali on weekdays and as a tourism-focused route on weekends and public holidays, serving attractions including Tamsui Old Street, Fisherman's Wharf, Bali Left Bank Park, and the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology.

At the launch event, Chung Ming-shih, director of New Taipei's Transportation Department, said the airport routes take about 60 minutes and cost NT$120 (US$3.80) each trip, adding that they are covered by the TPass commuter initiative and participating senior citizen cards.

According to the Transportation Department, the tourism version of route 115 will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. Passengers can purchase a one-day unlimited-ride pass for NT$49 or a one-way ticket for NT$15.