Is Taipei’s New ‘Forest Bus’ the Best Bus in the World?

Draped in moss, orchids, lilies, and ferns, this city bus transports riders to a whole new world.

Feeling nature deprived? Stuck in the city and looking for a forest bath? If you happen to live in Taiwan’s capital, the answer to your problems could be just a bus ride away.

For anyone in Taipei with a need for a dose of Mother Nature, a city bus has been outfitted with a rainforest of greenery. Exploding with fragrant plants – from lilies and ferns to ginger, orchids, moss, and more – the junglemobile takes riders on a special route through the bustling city, making stops at a museum, a temple and a night market, according to AFP.

The wonderful installation was the brainstorm of florist Alfie Lin, who says he wanted to bring a touch of nature to commuters’ busy routines.

“I hope the public will feel that it’s a beautiful and interesting experience,” he told AFP. “They can smell the scent of summer on the bus and see the vibrant green plants to feel messages from nature.”

It comes as very little surprise that the forest bus has been met with enthusiasm. Who wouldn’t love getting on an orchid-filled bus and sitting on a moss-seat? Happy riders have been lining up for a place on the the magic bus, with many hoping it becomes a permanent thing.

“I feel happy and relaxed on the bus smelling the flowers and plants. I hope it can become a regular service on a double-decker. It would become something special to Taipei,” says rider Celine Wei.

If you can’t get to nature, how lovely to have nature come to you … even if it is via a city bus.