ON THE ROAD 結果共51筆

Discover the aftermath of a magnitude 6 earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan, with significant impacts on local infrastructure, including the tilting of the Fouquet Hotel and the collapse of the Tong Shuai Building. Learn about the ongoing efforts to prevent further damage, the effect on local businesses, and the community’s response to ensure safety amidst continuous aftershocks.

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.

The Central Cross-Island Highway in Hualien, damaged by the recent earthquake, will reopen to heavy trucks under 17 tons at the 19.7-km mark on April 15 after initial repairs by the Highway Bureau’s Guguan section, with load inspections and reinforcement construction planned to ensure road safety.

Foreign nationals hiking in Hualien’s Taroko National Park share their terrifying experiences of surviving a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake, highlighting the impact on the landscape and their quick thinking that led to safety.

Discover the latest on the rebranding of the S Hotel in Taipei, owned by Wang Xiaofei, ex-husband of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu. Reports suggest it may soon be known as ＂MGallery＂ on Dunhua Road, following Wang’s transfer of ownership to the French multinational Accor Group.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che vows to hold construction firms accountable for a sinkhole incident in the West Central District, ensuring city residents’ safety. The collapse, caused by a construction site road failure, led to a truck sinking into a 15x5x3-meter sinkhole and a crane arm falling, damaging traffic signs and buildings. The city government swiftly filled the hole with grout, resumed traffic, and imposed a fine on the negligent construction company. Huang Long Construction faces scrutiny for premature construction steps, prompting safety checks and an improvement plan before work can resume.

The Vision Zero pedestrian safety advocacy group calls on Taiwan’s new congress to support a draft pedestrian traffic safety facilities law. The group recommends comprehensive implementation of sidewalks, removal of sidewalk obstacles, standardization of temporary sidewalks during construction, and explicit arcade project guidelines. The draft law must be proposed by the National Land Management Agency and approved by the executive branch before being reviewed by the Legislative Yuan. Despite the passing of a basic road traffic safety law in 2023, Vision Zero notes that the projected death toll may still exceed 3,000. The chairman of Vision Zero, Chen Kai-ning, proposes four amendments to the law, including the provision of physical sidewalks on wider roads, marking sidewalk designations on narrower roads, establishing basic sidewalk standards and non-permissible uses, and installing physical sidewalks beside arcades. Between January and November 2023, there were 2,759 road fatalities and 367,311 recorded severe accidents in Taiwan, representing an increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Starting this summer, Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture plans to collect a pass fee of approximately NT＄426 from climbers visiting Mount Fuji to address the issue of overcrowding. The number of climbers will also be limited, with the daily figure capped at 4,000 individuals. If this limit is exceeded, the toll gate at the Yoshida Trail fifth station will be closed. Climbing will also be prohibited between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. The funds generated by the toll will be used to construct refuge facilities in case of a volcanic eruption, as the Yoshida Trail had around 140,000 visitors in 2023. As the trail falls under the county road category, about 600 meters of the road near the fifth station is not subject to highway regulations, hence the imposition of climber fees as usage charges.

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.

Yangmingshan Elementary School, located in Taipei, Taiwan, has become the first school in the country to implement a two-day cold break due to a cold front. Principal Liang Chih-huan made the decision to prioritize student safety, considering the potential for snowfall at students’ homes and icy roads. The suspended classes will be made up on the following Monday and Tuesday. Additionally, there is a possibility of snow at Yangmingshan’s Erziping trail, leading to an increase in snow tourists. Nearby Chinese Culture University is already on winter break, but administrative staff will take time off based on actual conditions. In the event of snowfall, vehicle restrictions will be imposed on Yangde Boulevard, the main road to Yangmingshan, with only vehicles with passes permitted to proceed. Snow chains will be required for vehicles accessing the mountain’s control and snow viewing points, and buses will not be allowed in the controlled areas.

Get ready for Zooey Wonder’s ＂2024 See You Down The Road＂ concert in Taipei on Jan. 22. After being chosen by Golden Melody Award-winning singer Wu Qing-feng for a duet, Zooey Wonder has been thrust into the limelight. She recently kicked off her tour in Shanghai, performing meticulously prepared songs such as ＂Nomadland＂ and ＂Me Time＂. Throughout the year, Zooey Wonder plans to visit more places and meet more fans with her new songs. Don’t miss out on surprises and a concert-exclusive beautifully designed commemorative card at her Taipei concert. Grab your tickets now through KKTIX.

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) campaign office released a campaign video titled ＂Together, On the Road,＂ featuring President Tsai Ing-wen passing the reigns to presidential and vice-presidential candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Directed by Lo Ging-zim, the video utilizes advanced virtual studio technology to depict Tsai and Lai driving through Taiwan’s streets and alleys. Symbolically, Tsai hands over the car keys to Lai, signifying the transition of power, while Hsiao Bi-khim joins them in the passenger seat, representing their shared commitment to Taiwan’s democracy and freedom. All three individuals have been members of the DPP’s administrative team during their eight years in power, holding various posts and working tirelessly for Taiwan’s advancement.

The Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government (TBKC) has announced plans to regulate traffic around 10 major tourist spots in anticipation of the increased activities expected for the New Year’s holiday season. Measures will be implemented based on the transportation status on the day, with the aim of ensuring smooth traffic flow during the annual New Year’s Eve party in Kaohsiung and the New Year’s Eve fireworks show at Eda World. TBKC has released a guide on Facebook outlining phased road controls, entry routes, and parking plans, while also imposing stricter rules against illegal parking and towing in surrounding areas. To effectively disperse crowds, the Kaohsiung Metro (KRTC), circular light rail (LRT), and railway system will increase their services and operating hours. Residents are advised to check radio broadcasts and real-time online traffic updates before leaving home and are recommended to use public transportation like the metro instead of driving.

A wandering cow disrupts Christmas Day traffic in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, as it takes a stroll down a public road. Eyewitnesses spotted the bovine in the city’s East District on the night of December 24. With the help of police and the owner, it took about half an hour to guide the cow back home. The cow had broken free from its rope, allowing it to wander freely. Officials from the city’s Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office had tranquilizer darts on hand but decided not to use them after consulting with the owner. After half an hour of coaxing, the cow finally cooperated and was transported home, causing a memorable Christmas for Hsinchu City residents.

A renowned Taiwanese traditional restaurant in Taipei’s Songshan district has been ordered by the Taipei District Court to vacate its premises due to rent arrears of five and a half months. The establishment, favored by non-partisans in its early years, temporarily closed after the founder’s death in February 2022 but reopened on Renai Road in May of the same year. However, due to structural irregularities in the kitchen, the restaurant relocated to Bade Road in 2021. The landlord claimed that the eatery had been persistently defaulting on rent, accumulating a debt of NT＄760,000. After receiving no response to a notice of lease termination, the landlord filed a lawsuit demanding the return of the premises, compensation for the owed rent, and a monthly rental payment of NT＄140,000 until the property is surrendered. The court ruled in favor of the landlord, terminating the lease agreement and ordering the restaurant to vacate the premises and continue paying rent until it does so.

The Transportation Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government has announced that left turns will be permitted at 10 intersections along the route of the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail. In order to maintain traffic flow and address concerns from drivers, the bureau has reviewed and assessed traffic regulations. To minimize the impact on through traffic, vehicles will be directed to stay to the right about 50 meters upstream from the intersections. Additionally, changes to signal timing and settings on main roads surrounding the light rail, including Dashun Road, Jiangong Road, Dafeng Road, and Dachang Road, will be implemented. These adjustments aim to respond to actual traffic flow and will be fine-tuned as needed.

The Taipei Urban Planning Commission has approved the removal of height restrictions on buildings around the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, except for the north side due to flight path restrictions. This policy shift, effective from January next year, aims to revitalize the aging infrastructure in the Daan district and address issues such as leaking roofs. The height limit, which had been in place for over 30 years, will be increased from 60 meters to 120 meters under the new regulation. However, buildings on the north side of Zhongxiao East Road must still comply with Songshan Airport’s height restriction of 95.49 meters. The height restrictions also apply to buildings behind the Presidential Office, ranging from 50 to 78 meters, to protect the capital’s skyline.

Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party has shifted his stance on allowing heavy motorcycles on national freeways. Previously, he promised to open the freeways to heavy motorcycles if elected, but now suggests that if the majority opposes it, the government should amend the law accordingly. This change comes in response to public opinion polls showing that 60% of people are against the policy change. Ko cited discussions with the Drivers Union, which strongly opposes the idea, due to safety concerns such as an increase in accidents and fatalities. Additionally, Ko proposes eliminating the two-stage left turn system for motorcycles and having motorcyclists line up behind cars at traffic signals. He believes that the decision on left turns should be based on the number of lanes on the road, taking into account the specificities of different roadways.

A fire broke out at the Gangshan Incinerator in Kaohsiung’s Gangshan District early Sunday, with no reported casualties or individuals trapped. Firefighters are battling the blaze amid mounds of smoldering garbage. The fire erupted on Bengong 5th Road, prompting a large-scale emergency response. 29 fire engines with 60 firefighters and 28 volunteers, alongside four fire-fighting robots, were dispatched to the scene. The fire was involved with a waste storage pit, but no injuries were reported among personnel. The flames were brought under control by around 1:53 a.m., but due to the extensive amount of waste still smoldering and spatial limitations, firefighters are still working on extinguishing the fire.

Taiwan faces a 4.5% increase in domestic flight ticket prices due to a surge in global oil prices, resulting in an average additional cost of NT＄95 per ticket. Kinmen residents, who frequently travel to and from Taiwan, are particularly affected, with Mandarin Airlines’ Taipei to Kinmen route experiencing a one-way fare increase of 7.4%, equivalent to NT＄182. This price rise will also impact tourists planning to fly domestically during the New Year’s holiday, making air travel more expensive. As a result, authorities expect a significant increase in road traffic during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. To alleviate transportation challenges during the festive season, Taiwan will implement toll-free periods on freeways from midnight to 5 a.m. The Taiwan Railways Administration and Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) will also increase service frequencies to accommodate the expected passenger volume. THSR has added 105 services and will continue to offer discounts for college students and early bird promotions. Taiwan Railways has scheduled 116 extra trains, anticipating a potential peak of over 800,000 passengers in a single day. However, ticket sales for child-friendly carriages have been temporarily suspended. Additional train services during the New Year transportation period will be available for purchase starting from midnight on December 1, aiming to alleviate travel congestion during the holidays.

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.

A tragic school bus collision in Changhua County leaves two children in intensive care and sparks a debate on seatbelt regulations for school buses. The accident, which occurred at a problematic intersection, highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and emergency response in Taiwan.

A man was arrested in Changhua County’s Xizhou Township in Taiwan for a raincoat prank that caused a stir. The suspect inflated the raincoat with hydrogen, allowing it to float and crossroads on its own. Initially mistaken for a mechanized flag holder, surveillance footage later revealed the man deliberately filled the raincoat with hydrogen. Despite claiming it was for fun and meant no harm, the suspect was fined for violating Taiwan’s Social Order Maintenance Act and Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, as his actions caused fear and public inconvenience.

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.