transportation committee 結果共6筆

KMT legislator urges Taiwan Railway to freeze ticket prices until Eastern Line resumes. Discussion highlights fare fairness and post-typhoon support for Taitung.

The National Communications Commission (NCC) faces criticism from Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Legislator Huang Kuo-chang over a report presented to the Transportation Committee of the Legislative Yuan. The TPP calls for a special investigation team amid allegations of copied content and unresolved disputes related to Mirror TV application. Accusations of NCC Chairman Chen Yaw-shyang’s influence and regulatory shortcomings add fuel to the ongoing controversy.

The results of the Legislative Yuan’s standing committee convener election were announced, with both the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) securing one seat each in the eight committees. Huang Kuo-chang of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) expressed support for KMT’s convener candidates, while KMT’s Fu Kun-chi revealed TPP did not nominate any candidates. The committees cover Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs, Finance, Education, Transportation, Judiciary, and Sanitation.

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.

The Legislative Yuan’s Transportation Committee discussed the 2024 budget and addressed the poor cleanliness of Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) restrooms. Despite efforts to improve, the TRA’s restrooms were ranked poorly by the Ministry of Environment. TRA Director-General Tu Wei acknowledged the issue and mentioned that local government oversight had led to improvements in most of the restrooms. However, some facilities still require further enhancements. Legislator Lin Chun-hsien criticized the TRA for ineffective use of funds, particularly in outsourcing cleaning services. Lin proposed freezing a portion of the TRA’s budget until they present a written report on restroom improvement plans. The committee resolved to freeze 10% of the TRA’s budget to ensure accountability and push for better facility maintenance and service quality.

The Bahwan Tribe of Taiwan’s Bunun people are demanding that National Taiwan University (NTU) return ancestral remains taken without permission from a Bahwan public cemetery 63 years ago. NTU has been accused of shirking its historical responsibilities, leading to disagreements with the tribe. The issue dates back to the 1960s when the NTU College of Medicine Physical Anthropology Research Team took remains from the Bahwan Tribe’s cemetery, ’Lilieq,’ for academic research. The ’Return Bahwan Bunun Ancestors’ Remains Committee’ has approached the Executive Yuan, urging the government and NTU to return the remains and cease depriving indigenous people. NTU claims to have 43 boxes of the remains stored in its research room and has been participating in discussions with the government and legislature since the tribe’s request in 2017. However, indigenous legislator candidate Savungaz Valincinan expressed disappointment with NTU’s lack of effort to establish a relationship with the tribe and refusal to cover transportation and accommodation costs for their trips to Taipei. NTU has recently expressed willingness to return the remains, erect a memorial, honor the deceased as ＂Great Body Teachers,＂ and provide medical, educational, and sanitary services to the tribe. However, as a public school, NTU argues that it cannot establish a foundation or provide compensation of NT＄1.49 billion, citing Ministry of Education regulations. This issue has sparked discussion in Taiwan about addressing historical wounds and the journey toward transitional justice for indigenous tribes, who constitute 2.5% of the population and have historically faced exploitation and discrimination.