TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taroko Tears, a group representing family members of those who died in the 2021 Hualien train derailment, expressed frustration with the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) on Monday (Dec. 18) over their attitude toward safety reform discussions.
Despite repeated requests from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' external oversight committee to meet with the TRA board, these meetings have been repeatedly changed or canceled, suggesting a dismissive approach by the TRA.
The TRA is set to become a corporation on New Year's Day, raising skepticism and concern among "Taroko Tears."
The group sought a seat on the TRA's board to oversee safety reforms, but their lack of professional expertise led to their rejection. "Taroko Tears" questions whether TRA board members have the necessary expertise to lead significant improvements within the TRA.
The external oversight committee, facilitated by "Taroko Tears," has been advocating for joint discussions on safety reforms with the TRA board since September 2023, ahead of the TRA's corporate transition.
However, "Taroko Tears" has criticized the TRA's handling of these meetings as inconsistent and disrespectful, raising doubts about the TRA's commitment to safety reforms, according to Chen Peng-nian, a member of Taroko Tears who survived the crash.
The TRA is currently in communication with the external oversight group but has not yet responded to these concerns.
Tensions between the family members' group and the railway administration are escalating as the TRA's transformation into a corporation approaches.
