Taichung bus drivers speak out on harsh working conditions

TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Numerous city bus drivers met with the Transportation Bureau of Taichung City Government Wednesday (Jan. 18) to voice their workplace struggles, expressing concern over long hours and the lack of facilities.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taichung City Councilor Chang Fen-yu and Taichung Transportation Bureau Director-General Yeh Chao-fu held a roundtable to discuss the drivers' working conditions and compensation. Several drivers also participated in the face-to-face communication.

Drivers used the meeting to discuss their workplace difficulties. A driver surnamed Wang said labor inspections only see the official schedule, failing to prompt service providers to improve conditions. A driver surnamed Hsiao shared that he often works 14 to 15 hours a day, seeing his wife for less than three hours daily. Another driver argued for preparation time to be included in working hours. A 24-year-old driver complained of bladder inflammation due to not being able to use the restroom during work, revealing that some even resort to using bottles while avoiding surveillance cameras.

Councilor argued that poor labor conditions for bus drivers contribute to the labor shortage, leading to significant service reductions last September and inhibiting Taichung's public transportation development.

In response, Yeh committed to discussing with service providers to improve drivers' conditions and compensation including, publicizing wage calculation basis, monitoring mechanisms, insurance issues, and vehicle maintenance. Regarding working hours, he said he would continue communicating with service providers.