TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) on Tuesday (Sept. 24) announced a series of punitive measures and safety initiatives following a tragic bus accident that killed one student and injured another.
The accident occurred on Sunday night when a Geya Bus Transportation (巨業客運) vehicle struck two Tunghai University (東海大學) female students.
Lu unveiled five initiatives, including a NT$1.2 million fine for Geya Bus Transportation, mandatory retraining for 1,300 drivers within ten days, and a review of the accident site and 20 other high-risk intersections.
Lu emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating that the students were following the rules, crossing at a green light, and the bus's safety system had issued a warning. Still, the driver's negligence led to this tragedy.
She also announced plans to increase the penalty points for major accidents involving bus operators and to complete the installation of bus safety systems citywide by the end of the year.
Lu underscored the importance of pedestrian safety, urging all drivers to be more vigilant. "Pedestrian safety is a national concern. We call on all drivers to pay more attention to pedestrians to prevent such tragedies," she said.
