TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Legislator Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) on Monday (Sept. 23) urged the Taichung City Government to take greater responsibility and actively plan for overall traffic improvements.
Tsai made this statement following a tragic accident on Sunday involving a Geya Bus Transportation (巨業客運) driver.
A 65-year-old driver struck two female Tunghai University (東海大學) students at the intersection of Zhongshan Road (中山路) and Luchuan E. St (綠川東街). The incident resulted in one death and one injury.
Tsai highlighted that in 2023, Taichung saw 96,523 traffic accident casualties. He had questioned the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) about this issue in May at the Legislative Yuan (立法院).
The Taichung City Government attributed the problem to widespread traffic law violations, population growth, and increased motor vehicles.
However, Tsai found this explanation excuses. He called for a more proactive approach to address and review the issues, aiming to create a more pedestrian-friendly urban environment.
Tsai committed to continuing his efforts at the central government level to secure funding. This support would help the Taichung City Government identify accident-prone intersections and improve pedestrian infrastructure.