TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A controversial railway fare increase has ignited tension between Taiwan's eastern counties and the central government amid broader economic pressures. Hualien County commissioner Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) issued a forceful rebuke on Monday (April 7) to the Executive Yuan (Taiwan's cabinet) following its approval of substantial price increases for the Taiwan Railways Corporation (TRC, 台鐵), a decision that disproportionately affects residents of her mountainous coastal region. Commissioner Hsu highlighted the particularly unfortunate timing of the fare adjustments, which coincide with the United States imposing a 32% tariff on Taiwanese exports. "The central government has announced a significant fare increase from NT$440 to NT$583 (around US$13.25 to US$17.56), causing shock and strong dissatisfaction among the public," Hsu stated in her pointed critique of the decision.
The fare adjustment for the critical Taipei-Hualien corridor represents a 32% increase, significantly exceeding the already substantial nationwide average increase of 26%, according to county officials. This disproportionate burden falls on a community where rail transportation serves as an essential lifeline rather than a luxury, connecting the relatively isolated eastern region to Taiwan's capital and economic center. In her public remarks, Commissioner Hsu questioned the central government's awareness of mounting financial pressures already facing ordinary citizens and their apparent insensitivity to public sentiment. She drew a pointed contrast between what she characterized as the government's accommodating approach toward American trade demands and its harsh economic policies toward its own citizens. Hsu specifically cited the economic consequences of U.S. President Donald Trump's Taiwan policies, including stock market volatility and inflationary pressures, while criticizing the government's response of raising railway fares rather than implementing effective economic relief measures.
In response to the mounting criticism, Taiwan Railways Corporation President Feng Hui-sheng (馮輝昇) acknowledged the concerns and revealed that the Executive Yuan had directed the railway operator to develop flexible pricing options specifically for residents of the Hualien-Taitung corridor. Despite this directive, Feng indicated that implementation timelines remain uncertain as internal discussions continue within the corporation. Commissioner Hsu countered with alternative revenue-generating proposals, suggesting that TRC prioritize revitalizing its portfolio of vacant commercial spaces at railway stations to boost operational efficiency before transferring additional financial burden to passengers. Her critique extended beyond transportation policy to broader economic governance, as she urged central authorities to reconsider national energy policies that she believes contribute to rising living costs across multiple sectors, emphasizing that fare increases should be considered only after exhausting all other operational and revenue options.
