TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan High Speed Rail (高鐵), the island's premier bullet train service, implemented a comprehensive quiet car policy Monday (Sept. 15) to significantly enhance passenger comfort across all carriages. The new regulations require travelers to keep mobile phones on silent mode and use headphones when watching videos or listening to music during their journeys. The rail company aims to reduce noise disturbances and promote a more peaceful, library-like travel experience for all passengers aboard its high-speed trains.
Taiwan High Speed Rail announced in an official press release that violators will initially receive guidance from staff, with persistent offenders potentially facing denial of service starting Sept. 22. The company plans to reduce the frequency of its own announcements to maintain the desired quiet atmosphere throughout train carriages. The initiative features a comprehensive awareness campaign utilizing multiple communication channels including personnel interactions, seat-back information cards, scrolling digital messages, and station television displays to educate passengers about the new behavioral requirements.
Specially trained staff members will actively patrol train carriages to courteously advise passengers playing music without headphones or speaking loudly during their journey. Personnel will also request passengers making phone calls in carriages to relocate to vestibule areas or switch to text messaging for communication. The company emphasized that passengers who fail to comply after receiving guidance may face termination of their transportation services starting Sept. 22, with officials planning an intensive three-month awareness campaign to ensure widespread understanding of the new policies.
Taiwan High Speed Rail has provided assurances that trained staff will continue to care for and assist infants, young children, and passengers with medical conditions that may affect their ability to maintain quiet behavior. The company specifically requests that fellow passengers demonstrate understanding and patience when encountering such exceptional circumstances during their travels. Officials emphasized that the quiet car policy recognizes legitimate exceptions while maintaining the overall goal of creating a more serene travel environment for all passengers. ◼
