TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRC, 台鐵) announced plans on Monday (June 2) to increase police visibility and consider equipping staff with body cameras to enhance safety following recent assaults on conductors and station staff. TRC President Feng Hui-sheng (馮輝昇) emphasized the commitment to protecting employees' rights and preventing safety threats, highlighting a newly established "Unlawful Infringement Prevention Plan."
Taiwan Railway reported that recent unlawful incidents involving employees have been filed with authorities and are under investigation by the Railway Police Bureau (鐵路警察局). The administration offers psychological counseling and health promotion services to affected staff. In cases of workplace violence, Taiwan Railways will hold immediate review meetings and activate an employee assistance program that includes expert counseling.
Efforts to enhance staff safety include ongoing self-defense training and the provision of defensive tools such as batons and pepper spray on trains, despite the concerns about their use. Taiwan Railways plans to collaborate with the Railway Police Bureau to increase police presence and ensure rapid response to incidents. Implementation of body cameras will require union consensus, and employees are advised to evacuate passengers and maintain distance during violent events.
Feng noted the operational differences between Taiwan Railway and other transit systems, underscoring the importance of police visibility. Taiwan Railways will support employees in legal proceedings following unlawful incidents, covering legal fees and providing occupational safety and counseling measures. Feng expressed regret over the incidents of unlawful infringement and verbal abuse, reaffirming the unwavering commitment to employee safety.
