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New transport minister vows to boost train station safety
Discover how Taiwan’s new Transportation Minister, Chen Shih-kai, is enhancing rail safety with plans for platform gates after a close call at Taichung Train Station. Read about his first actions in office and future safety measures.
2024/09/03 10:39
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Taitung leverages smart tech to boost tourism, healthcare
Discover how Taitung County is revolutionizing tourism with technology, from 4K real-time images at the Taiwan International Balloon Festival to life-saving 5G services. Learn about the smart city innovations enhancing safety and convenience for tourists and residents alike.
2024/08/27 15:34
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Tour bus drivers protest new MOTC regulations in Taipei
Discover the latest on the protest by tour bus drivers in Taipei against new MOTC regulations requiring GPS systems. Learn about their demands and the government’s response.
2024/08/26 13:12
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Taiwan mandates safety tech in tour buses by 2025
Discover how Taiwan’s MOTC mandates ADAS in 14,000 tour buses by 2025 to boost safety and cut traffic accidents, with fines for non-compliance reaching NT$90,000.
2024/08/19 18:40
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Local governments hesitant on road safety projects
Discover how Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications is tackling road safety, with a 5.5% drop in traffic fatalities and a NT$40 billion plan to improve high-risk intersections.
2024/08/13 09:54
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Seven cities participate in Wanan No. 47 exercise
Taiwan’s Wanan No. 47 exercise, spanning seven central counties and cities, aimed to boost public readiness against missile threats through a comprehensive drill involving traffic control and shelter protocols.
2024/07/22 13:35
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Taipei Metro suspends staff after drug find
Taipei Metro response to a drug-related incident at Nanshijiao station, including employee suspensions and ongoing investigations for passenger safety.
2024/07/15 10:53
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Taiwan Railway fare hike necessary, MOTC minister says
Discover why Taiwan Railway is planning its first fare increase in 29 years, as Minister Li Meng-yen cites sustainability and low prices compared to other transport. Plus, learn about new safety measures following recent incidents.
2024/07/11 10:52
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Taichung mayor thanks Lai for support after metro attack
Discover the latest on the Taichung Metro incident: Mayor Lu Shiow-yen thanks President Lai for his support and addresses criticisms of the metro staff and police response. Learn how Taichung is committed to improving public safety and crisis management.
2024/05/23 16:55
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PLA launches military drills around Taiwan, raising tensions
Discover the latest on the People’s Liberation Army’s military exercises around Taiwan, dubbed "Joint Sword-2024A," and Taiwan’s response to ensure national security and the safety of its transportation amidst rising tensions.
2024/05/23 15:14
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Taiwan faces underground tourism risk amid China travel ban
Explore the impact of a potential ban on Taiwanese travel groups to China starting June 1, as discussed by Chen Yi-hsuan. With 80% of Taiwan’s travel agencies involved with China, the industry faces the risk of unregulated tourism. Efforts to negotiate with China have begun, highlighting the economic significance of Chinese tourists to Taiwan and urging the new government to prioritize cross-strait exchanges. Concerns over legal, safety, and transportation issues are also raised by industry leaders.
2024/05/07 14:42
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Uber to launches "Uber for Teens" in Taiwan
Explore the launch of Uber’s "Uber for teens" in Taiwan, designed to ease parental stress by safely transporting teenagers to school and activities. This service, already available in the U.S. and Australia, allows parents to manage rides through a family account, ensuring safety with features like a safety PIN, real-time route tracking, and direct communication with drivers. Only highly rated drivers can accept these rides, providing an extra layer of security for parents and their children.
2024/04/30 18:09
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ADAS under scrutiny after multiple crashes in Taiwan
Explore the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board’s proactive investigations into various transportation incidents, including its first inquiry into an electric vehicle accident, collisions involving advanced driver assistance systems, a Taichung MRT crash, a school bus overturning, and a tour bus accident. Reports on these cases aim to enhance safety measures and prevent future occurrences.
2024/04/22 12:31
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Taiwan’s road safety crisis: A minister’s regret
Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation, Wang Kwo-tsai, expresses regret over not prioritizing road safety, amidst rising traffic accidents and injuries. Despite efforts to reduce fatalities, Taiwan lags behind Japan in traffic safety. Legislative discussions reveal concerns over the "Road Traffic Management and Penalty Amendment Act" and its impact on police workload, despite advancements in digital reporting of traffic violations.
2024/04/18 16:54
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Taiwan halts tour solicitations to China amid tensions
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has abruptly halted the solicitation of tours to China, reversing its previous policy. Originally scheduled to open on March 1, tours from Taiwan to China were limited to a daily reference cap of 2,000 people, with the possibility of adjustments based on the travel industry’s ability to attract customers. The decision to halt the tours immediately was made in response to China’s failure to organize tours to Taiwan and its unilateral change of the M503 flight route without goodwill, which poses a threat to flight safety. The Tourism Administration, a part of the MOTC, believes that given the current circumstances, it is not in the best interest of Taiwanese nationals to travel to China. They continue to appeal to China to demonstrate goodwill and promote cross-strait tourism exchange. Tours that have already been solicited and are due to depart between March 1 and May 31, 2024, will proceed as planned to protect passenger rights, but tours after June 1 are not permitted to depart. Travel companies are urged to refrain from soliciting customers to avoid potential disputes.
2024/02/07 17:06
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MOTC voices safety concerns over China’s flight path changes
Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kuo-tsai, expresses regret after China unilaterally adjusts flight routes, raising aviation safety concerns. The decision to cancel the "offset measure" for the M503 flight route and start east to west operations near Taiwan without bilateral negotiation has led to potential conflicts between civilian and military aircraft. The proximity of Route M503 to the Taipei Flight Information Region poses a risk, with the nearest point just 4.2 nautical miles away. Take-off and landing in Matsu and Kinmen without prior consultation could also raise safety issues. The national security units are now handling the situation and consulting with the Civil Aviation Administration and the military to develop responsive measures.
2024/02/01 12:18
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Taiwan prepares for winter’s coldest spell
Taiwan prepares for the coldest period of the winter as Lunar New Year approaches, according to meteorological expert Peng Chi-ming. If a cold surge leads to disaster, it is classified as an "other natural disaster," potentially resulting in work or school closures. Employers are advised to implement safety measures and consider potential risks caused by cold temperatures. Failure to comply with guidelines may result in fines of up to NT$300,000. Holidays due to low temperatures are unprecedented in Taiwan, with work or school suspension only possible if low temperatures cause a disaster. In extreme cold weather conditions, transportation, water, or electricity disruptions may lead to work or school suspension based on assessment by city and county chiefs.
2024/01/19 17:52
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Taiwan Railway revamp: new era of worker rights management
Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kwo-tsai, announced that worker rights and disputes in Taiwan Railway will be handled by a board of directors once it becomes a company on Jan. 1, 2024. This marks a departure from the current practice where the Minister has jurisdiction over such matters. The transition will be commemorated with a plaque unveiling ceremony at Taipei Station, signifying Taiwan Railway’s separation from the administrative agency Taiwan Railways Administration. Wang expressed optimism for a fresh start, including the resolution of debt, enhanced safety protocols, and more flexible systems. In response to concerns raised by the Taiwan Railway Labor Union regarding employee vacation rights and driver treatment, Wang stated that decisions will be made by Taiwan Railway as a company. Wang also addressed worries about a potential retirement wave among senior maintenance staff, emphasizing that retirement is a normal occurrence in all workplaces and that the inclusion of younger employees could lead to improved performance.
2023/12/28 16:49
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’Taroko Tears’ dismayed by TRA’s safety reform stance
Taroko Tears, a group for family members of those who died in the 2021 Hualien train derailment, is expressing incredulity at the Taiwan Railways Administration’s (TRA) dismissive attitude towards safety reform discussions. The TRA has repeatedly altered or canceled meetings with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ external oversight committee, raising concerns. The TRA’s upcoming transformation into a corporation on New Year’s Day has sparked skepticism and worry among Taroko Tears. The group has sought a seat on the TRA’s board to monitor safety reforms but was rejected due to a lack of professional expertise. Taroko Tears questions the ability of TRA board members to lead substantial improvements. The external oversight committee has been pushing for joint discussions on safety reforms since September 2023, but the TRA’s handling of these meetings has been criticized as capricious and disrespectful. The TRA is currently in communication with the external oversight group but has yet to respond to their concerns. As the TRA’s transformation approaches, tensions between Taroko Tears and the railway administration are escalating.
2023/12/18 21:28
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Taipower contractor questioned after deadly Miaoli mishap
A deadly accident on National Freeway 3 in Miaoli occurred when falling electrical cables resulted in one fatality and five injuries. The Miaoli District Prosecutor Office summoned Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) and the contractor involved to determine the cause. The contractor, Chen, stated that construction was taking place on the hillsides surrounding the tower, where cables were being replaced. Shortly after construction began, one of the cables came loose, showing signs of being severed. The National Highway Police Bureau (HPB) determined that the incident was a work safety issue, not a typical traffic accident, and announced charges of endangering public safety would be pursued. The high-voltage cable fell onto both the southbound and northbound lanes, impacting multiple vehicles. Tsai, the wife of Chang, who was in the passenger seat of a van carrying a family of six, succumbed to her injuries. The other five occupants suffered various injuries. The Freeway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) stated that Taipower and their contractor had not obtained approval for the unauthorized construction work, potentially violating the Highway Act. Taipower’s Distribution and Service Division Director, Shih Chi-liang, apologized for the accident and explained that the cable unexpectedly snapped during replacement work conducted by Double Safe, the company responsible for cable installations. Taipower has halted construction at the site to investigate the cause and prevent future accidents.
2023/12/03 14:49
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Bikers rally at MOTC for heavy motorcycle highway access
Scores of heavy motorcycles surrounded the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) in Taipei on Sunday afternoon, demanding the immediate implementation of laws allowing large motorcycles access to highways. The protest, organized by groups such as the Republic of China Motorcycle Industry Promotion Association and the Taiwan Motorcycle Riders Association (TMRA), aimed to voice discontent with current traffic regulations. The bikers’ demands included immediate access to highways, permission to park in designated spaces, and the abolition of Article 99 of the Road Traffic Safety Rules. The movement’s initiators criticized the MOTC for stalling, pointing out that laws permitting heavy motorcycles on national highways were passed over a decade ago. TMRA secretary-general Liu Cheng-chien expressed frustration at the Highways Bureau’s lackluster response, highlighting the discrepancy between government policies and the desires of the biking community. Protest leaders claimed that 70% of the populace is unaware that the regulation allowing motorbikes on highways has already passed the third reading. They argued that the department’s polling does not reflect public opinion and questioned the legitimacy of basing policies on a single survey. Traffic advocacy groups have long emphasized the need for large motorcycles to have the freedom to choose between car or motorcycle parking spots. Despite recent responses from the Highway Bureau considering trials with some local governments, groups argue that central government intervention is necessary for a uniform solution to parking regulations.
2023/11/29 20:21
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Taiwan’s first highway autonomous bus hits road for testing
Taiwan’s first highway autonomous bus conducted its inaugural licensing and passenger-carrying tests. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Highway Bureau commissioned Green Transit Co., Ltd to deploy the self-driving bus, which traveled 16 kilometers autonomously at a set speed of 40 kilometers per hour. The bus, accompanied by an engineering driver during the trial phase, cost NT$30 million to develop. The full route spans 44 kilometers, with over 70% being autonomous. The service is expected to provide free rides to the public starting in March next year, with seven stops and 7 to 8 daily services. The initiative aims to address the shortage of public transportation personnel and reduce traffic incidents. The Highway Bureau plans to enhance highway maintenance and public transport operations using smart technology.
2023/11/26 14:06
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Pedestrian refuge islands raise safety concerns in Taiwan
Explore Taiwan’s latest efforts to combat traffic accidents with pedestrian refuge islands. Despite their safety intent, these measures have sparked a debate between enhancing safety and increasing convenience, reflecting Taiwan’s ongoing struggle to improve road safety.
2023/11/16 17:34
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MOTC: No decision timetable on motorcycles on highways
Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has stated that there is currently no timetable for a decision on whether heavy motorcycles should be allowed on the highway, due to the lack of consensus on the matter. A local motorcycle organization plans to protest outside the MOTC on November 26, with over 5,000 heavy motorcycles and tens of thousands of people participating. MTOC Minister Wang Kwo-tsai has expressed that the current situation is not yet suitable for heavy motorcycles on highways, as the behavior of riders could cause disturbances. Additionally, a poll shows that around 60% of the population is opposed to the idea, further highlighting the lack of consensus.
2023/11/13 16:31
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Investigation underway into tragic tour bus accident
An investigation is underway into a tragic accident involving a tour bus that overturned on Taipingshan in Ilan, Taiwan. The 48-year-old driver claimed the brakes failed, resulting in the crash that caused one fatality and 38 injuries. The passengers were predominantly environmental volunteers visiting the Taiping Mountain National Forest Recreation Area. Preliminary investigations ruled out drink-driving, and early indications suggest a failure of the brake system. As of Monday morning, 23 people have been discharged from the hospital, while 15 remain under observation and treatment. The Highway Bureau and the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board officials are investigating the cause of the accident.
2023/11/06 15:53