Ministry of Transportation and Communications 結果共41筆

Explore how Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications leverages mainland social media to boost tourism, navigating political sensitivities and global competition, amidst domestic critique.

Discover how Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications is revitalizing Hualien’s tourism with a NT$5.3 billion recovery plan following an earthquake. Learn about subsidies for accommodations, the promotion of local tourism, and significant investments in housing and railway system reconstruction to ensure the region’s swift recovery and appeal to visitors.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) in Taipei faces challenges as it considers the ban on travel agencies organizing tours to China. Amidst diplomatic tensions and logistical issues, Minister Wang Kwo-tsai emphasizes that any change to the ban hinges on China’s goodwill gestures. Stay updated on the evolving situation post-June.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) acknowledged flight delays at Taoyuan International Airport due to annual maintenance on the southern runway, leading to public discontent. MOTC vows to review and improve procedures for future large-scale maintenance projects.

Taipei (TVBS News) - Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kuo-tsai, urges China to show goodwill towards resuming tourism and travel between the two countries. The Ministry of Transport and Communications banned local travel agencies from arranging tours to China in early 2024, leading to backlash from the tourism sector. Wang emphasized the government’s commitment to healthy interactions with China and hopes for the return of Chinese tourists to Taiwan. The goal of attracting 12 million international tourists to Taiwan this year remains unchanged, with the potential for two million visits from China, depending on pandemic control. The MOTC will evaluate the impact of the ban on travel agencies and work on solutions. Discussions with airlines will ensure affected travel agencies can refund their clients for booking issues.

Minister of Ocean Affairs Council, Kuan Bi-ling, addresses Taiwanese vessels’ response to mainland Chinese coast guard inspections. The incident involving a Kinmen tourist boat prompts calls for caution and avoidance of interactions with China’s maritime authorities. Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Ministry of National Defense emphasize adherence to international customs and a policy of non-intervention. Premier Chen Chien-jen urges rational cooperation for maritime security.

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.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has approved a comprehensive plan for the Taichung Metro Blue Line and a feasibility study for the Taiwan Railway’s coastline dual-track. The completion of the transit system is estimated to be in 10 years, costing NT＄1615.14 billion, with NT＄675.59 billion borne by the central government. The Blue Line will connect Taichung Port to the city center, serving as the city’s most crucial east-west axis. It will also connect with the Green Line to form a cross-axis network. An agreement on the deployment of the Blue Line’s Shalu Overpass section was reached by the MOTC and Taichung City Government. The completion of the Taichung Metro Blue Line and the Taichung Port rail line’s dual track system is expected to improve the Taichung area’s rail infrastructure and spur balanced development in urban, rural, and coastal regions.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has responded to a citizen-led initiative calling for changes in traffic practices. The ministry announced that the regulation allowing two-stage left turns will not be abolished entirely but should be evaluated based on site-specific characteristics. The initiative also called for the prohibition of motorbikes on inner lanes of general roads and reform of the driver’s license test system. The MOTC stated that local governments should assess and plan motorbike lanes and two-stage left turn control measures according to their specific road traffic conditions. The ministry emphasized that motorbike riders should follow road sign guidance, and universal rules should only be followed in the absence of signs. In terms of the licensing system, the ministry has implemented a motorbike training program since 2019 to enhance driving quality and response capabilities. The program has been successful, resulting in a 56% decrease in traffic violations and a 35% decrease in accidents by 2022. The Highway Bureau of MOTC plans to continue promoting the program and implementing road training measures in 2024, periodically reviewing and adjusting the test content to optimize the training system for motorbike operators.

The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival is returning to Tainan for the first time since 2008, taking place from Feb. 24 to March 10. The main lantern, ＂Dragon Comes to Taiwan,＂ was unveiled by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration. Inspired by the dragons on the stone columns at the Tainan Grand Mazu Temple, the 18-meter-tall dragon lantern is accompanied by a 22-meter main lantern. This year’s lantern design transforms the dragon into a small round lantern with the same pronunciation as the Taiwanese snack ＂xiaolongbao,＂ adding a touch of tradition and children’s anticipation. The festival will illuminate the ＂High-Speed Rail Lantern Area＂ and ＂Anping Lantern Area＂ in Tainan. In celebration of Tainan’s 400th anniversary, the city government will light up the ＂Anping Lantern Area＂ in advance on Feb. 3, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy the spectacle during the Lunar New Year holiday. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che expressed high hopes for the festival, praising the main lantern design for its unique representation of Tainan and Taiwan’s lantern festival through a blend of culture, nostalgia, and playful creativity.

The Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail Transit has received permission to operate from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and will begin trial operations from January 1 to February 25, 2024. The C24 to C32 sections of the light rail have completed inspections and necessary adjustments, allowing for formal operations. Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Lin Chin-rong expressed gratitude towards the MOTC and the city government team for their efforts in enabling the last sections to commence operations before year-end. With the launch of the C24 to C32 segments, the circular light rail will have 38 stations and stretch for 22.1 kilometers. To encourage citizens to use this new transportation route, the Mass Rapid Transit bureau will offer ＂Free Rides on all Light Rail Segments＂ from New Year’s Day until February 25, 2024.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in Taiwan have announced a new ＂Subsidiary Tourism＂ program aimed at boosting business travel. Foreign business travelers will be eligible for a subsidy of up to NT＄2,000 starting next year. The program has a budget of NT＄10 million and aims to support foreign business visitors to Taiwan. Stocks of related hotels have surged in response to this policy push, with analysts predicting positive growth for the tourism industry. The reduction in extended public holidays next year is expected to favor domestic tourism momentum and improve hotel occupancy rates. Overall, businesses and investors anticipate a robust year ahead for the hotel industry in Taiwan.

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 Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP) has taken their concerns to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), demanding increased oversight of EVA Air due to dissatisfaction over wages and annual bonuses despite rising revenues. The union has threatened to limit the airline’s rights if conditions are not improved by a specified deadline and plans to hold a strike vote on December 22. EVA Air has faced scrutiny for various issues, including understaffing that has led to several safety incidents. Pilots accuse the airline of excessive cost-cutting measures, such as hiring foreign pilots through illegal brokers, resulting in a workforce where foreign pilots outnumber national pilots. Over the past year, EVA Air has experienced a significant decline in national pilots, with approximately 10% of the total pilot workforce leaving. The union also claims that EVA Air’s response to the manpower shortage, including mandatory overtime and inadequate training, has resulted in frequent safety incidents. The union is calling for a comprehensive labor inspection and continuous penalties for workplace safety incidents. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has received a petition from the union and emphasizes the priority of flight safety and public well-being, urging EVA Air to engage in dialogue. The Ministry of Labor is also involved in labor-capital negotiations. The strike vote result, due on January 5, will determine whether a strike will be launched, contingent on EVA Air’s willingness to negotiate improvement measures sincerely.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) Tourism Bureau’s statistics reveal that Yunlin Beigang Chaotian Temple was the most-visited religious site in Taiwan from January to September 2023, with over 6.81 million visits. Yunlin Beigang Wude Temple followed closely behind with over 6.69 million visitors, securing the second spot. Nankunshen Daitian Temple claimed the third position with over 5.46 million visitors. Miaoli Baishatun Gongtian Temple ranked sixth, attracting over 3.2 million visits, while Taichung Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, known for worshiping the sea goddess Mazu, recorded approximately 1.17 million visits, placing it in the eighth position. Although some renowned temples are not included in the Tourism Bureau’s recreational site list, the Bureau relies on data provided by local governments to track visitor numbers and collaborates with them to monitor tourism activity at these religious and cultural landmarks.

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is set to undergo corporatization on January 1, 2024, with the aim of improving punctuality and reducing delays. The agency believes that this transformation, along with the introduction of new trains next year, will enhance its competitiveness in the transport market. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) has experienced increased passenger numbers recently, leading to capacity shortages and overcrowding in non-reserved seating. Concerns have been raised about the decline in THSR service quality, with some referring to it as ＂high-speed rail becoming like local trains.＂ Under the new Taiwan Railways Corporation, TRA plans to offer services on the eastern main line and support the western short-to-medium-haul network, creating a cooperative yet competitive relationship with THSR. TRA aims to enhance the passenger experience by updating ticket gates and passenger information systems across all railway stations in Taiwan over the next three years. To address the capacity issue, TRA plans to provide shuttle services at Changhua Station and improve inter-rail transfer services. The establishment of the TRA corporation aims to clarify its market positioning, including strengthening intercity transport service between the eastern and western main lines and improving regional commuting transport on the western line. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has established a debt repayment fund to address TRA’s short-term debt of around NT$170 billion, with the goal of making TRA debt-free by 2025 and profitable by 2028. Post-corporatization, TRA plans to increase revenue and optimize asset management through flexible approaches such as joint development initiatives and land rights establishment.

The Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP) has revealed that EVA Airways pilots have experienced a more than 10% decrease in real wages since 2011, resulting in a nearly 10% loss of the national pilot workforce. TUP accuses EVA of collaborating with illegal brokers to recruit foreign pilots, potentially jeopardizing flight safety. EVA pilots have unanimously passed a resolution to proceed with a strike vote, with details to be announced soon. Despite EVA’s record-high pre-tax profit, pilot wages have been frozen since 2011. Last year, pilot salaries were marginally adjusted, failing to keep up with the rising Consumer Price Index, resulting in a real wage decrease of 10% to 12%. The per diem for pilots, unchanged for 30 years, saw a minimal increase last year. Over a hundred national pilots, mostly experienced, have left EVA in the past year. The union criticizes EVA for cost-cutting measures that have led to staff resignations and safety incidents. They are urging the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to intervene and are planning a potential legal strike.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced on Friday (Dec. 8) the progression of Kaohsiung Airport’s new terminal. With the preliminary engineering’s essential design phase completed, the project is set to be tendered, according to CAA official Lin Hung-hsien. The new terminal at Kaohsiung Airport marks the largest construction project following Taoyuan International Airport’s third terminal. This infrastructure advancement reflects Taiwan’s push to modernize its aviation facilities and enhance passenger capacity.

New Taipei City’s Department of Transportation is actively working to improve over 150 sections of yellow-line parking by February 2024, in response to a provisional ordinance by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) that acknowledged the scarcity of temporary parking spaces in metropolitan areas. The department has already completed over 60 conversions from red to yellow lines, prioritizing areas near MRT stations, hospitals, schools, taxi infraction hotspots, and areas with high temporary parking demands. These adjustments are carefully implemented to ensure a minimum lane width of 5 meters and avoid prohibited areas. Yellow-lined streets have a no-parking window from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing only for quick drop-offs, pick-ups, or loading. The MOTC requires that every 100 to 150-meter stretch of red-line roadside have at least 10% allocated for temporary parking. Until these provisions are met, parking violators will face fines ranging from NT$300 to NT$600.

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.

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.

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.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has announced that the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) will implement an online system for train drivers to apply for leave by the end of this year. This decision comes after reports of drivers sleeping on the office floor or ＂fighting for time off＂ due to the current in-person system for leave applications. Currently, the Taipei Rolling Stock Branch of the TRA uses an in-person queuing system for leave scheduling, which often leads to disputes during extended holidays. MOTC head Wang Kwo-tsai explained that the demand for drivers exceeds the available staff, making it impossible to accept all leave requests. Wang also mentioned that recruitment examinations for railway staff will take place after the corporatization of the TRA in 2024, with some specialized railway examinations already causing disruptions in June.

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.

Taiwanese citizens express their dissatisfaction with the new road regulations implemented on July 1 through social media, sharing stories of the consequences of violating the rules. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) amended Section 43 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, imposing fines and driving bans for drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 kilometers per hour. Offenders also face a six-month license suspension. Despite Taiwan’s reputation for bad traffic behavior, some argue that the previous threshold of exceeding the speed limit by 60 kilometers per hour should be reinstated. The MOTC asserts that managing speed is crucial for road safety worldwide and considers excessive speeding a serious offense. They emphasize that higher speeds limit a driver’s field of vision and reaction time, urging citizens to comply with traffic rules without presuming luck.