TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator voiced concerns on Thursday (Dec. 26) over Taiwan Railway's (台鐵) financial performance in its first year as a corporation, revealing a loss of NT$12 billion. While the railway's bento sales grew, other aspects lagged, prompting calls for significant reforms.
During the Transportation Committee's (交通委員會) review of the 2025 budget, DPP Legislator Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) highlighted the underwhelming results from leasing land assets despite the introduction of new trains. He emphasized the need for a significant overhaul as prospects for the coming year remain grim.
DPP Legislator Lin Chun-hsien (林俊憲) echoed these sentiments, noting the increased losses but pointing to bento sales as a lifeline, though service quality requires improvement. Taiwan Railway Director-General Tu Wei (杜微) expressed optimism, stating the budget will rise by NT$500 million next year, anticipating better business performance. He noted a 7% increase in passenger revenue this year compared to last year.
Tu Wei reported bento sales generated approximately NT$750 million. The company plans to enhance staffing for production and sales while focusing on service quality. Multiple legislators urged Taiwan Railway to boost labor and freight revenue budgets, with DPP Legislator Lee Kun-tse (李昆澤) acknowledging the pressure to meet expectations.
The committee decided to increase the operating budget by NT$50 million, totaling NT$35.178 billion. Legislators also pointed out the punctuality rate goal of 97% for this year, which only reached 93.01% from January to August. They attributed the shortfall partly to typhoons and earthquakes. Tu Wei pledged to strive for a 97.5% punctuality rate next year.
