TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Social and Family Affairs Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (SFAA, 衛生福利部社會及家庭署) announced on Friday (June 28) a proposed amendment to Article 53 of the People with Disabilities Rights Protection Act (身心障礙者權益保障法).
The move seeks to address recent controversies surrounding priority seating and to reaffirm the original purpose of the provision, namely, "giving precedence to those in need."
Priority Seating Replaces Courtesy Seating
According to the draft amendment, the current "courtesy seats" (博愛座) will be renamed "priority seats" (優先席). The change broadens the scope of preferred users, from the elderly and women to others genuinely in need.
The SFAA has taken cues from the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, where similar "priority seats" are provided for people with disabilities, those with mobility issues, pregnant women, and the elderly. To align with international standards, the amendment proposes to change "courtesy seats" to "priority seats."
To speed up implementation, the announcement period will be reduced from the original 30 days to just seven. The amendment emphasizes that the adjustment in the name and usage of "priority seats" aims to more accurately care for those truly in need.
The administration hopes this move will enhance societal respect and support for vulnerable groups.
