TAIPEI (TVBS News) — According to statistics from the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC), the number of injuries on escalators at Taipei's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations reached a five-year high last year. The report recorded 65 escalator incidents, 61 of which were caused by walking and four by running.
As of the end of September 2023, Taipei Metro has already recorded 41 walking-related injuries and three running-related injuries. The stations with the highest number of injuries last year were Taipei Main Station, Ximen Station, Minquan West Road Station, and Xinpu Station.
In response to the high injury numbers, a Taipei City Councilor requested the TRTC to conduct a comprehensive review. The company stated that it continues to promote safety on its escalators, urging passengers to hold on to handrails and stand firmly on steps. Passengers are encouraged not to run on escalators and to respect other commuters to maintain order, safety, and courtesy.
TRTC emphasized that regular inspections and maintenance of escalator components show that adhering to the practice of standing on the right and walking on the left does not affect the lifespan of its machinery. The company conducts legal-required monthly maintenance checks, and an inspection agency carries out an annual safety inspection to ensure the smooth operation of the equipment.