Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) All regular bus services in Taipei and New Taipei will be free on Sept. 22 to mark World Car Free Day, the two city governments announced Thursday.

A total of 5,842 buses operating on 719 routes across the two cities will offer free rides that day, including early-morning departures and late-night services continuing into the early hours of Sept. 23, officials said.

The initiative is intended to raise awareness of alternative ways to commute and encourage residents to break their daily driving habits, Taipei Deputy Mayor Chang Wen-te (張溫德) said at a press conference announcing the campaign.

All buses will display signs indicating that rides are free, while ticket machines and fare boxes will be sealed, New Taipei Transportation Department Director Chung Ming-shi (鍾鳴時) said.

With ridership expected to exceed the usual 2 million daily passengers, the cities will increase the number of bus departures, though drivers will not be required to work overtime, officials said.

The Taipei and New Taipei city governments have allocated NT$30 million (US$944,465) and NT$20 million, respectively, to subsidize bus operators for the campaign, according to officials.

The free rides apply only to regular bus services. Special sightseeing services, including the red and blue routes of the Taipei Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus, are not included.