TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Rush hour commuters in Taipei are grappling with overcrowded trains and unintentional physical contact as they navigate their daily journeys to and from work.
The Wenshan-Neihu (Wenhu) Line, serving Taipei's Neihu Tech Park, has become particularly notorious for its congestion, prompting commuters to share their experiences of cramped train carriages and accidental collisions.
One commuter shared her struggle to minimize contact with fellow passengers despite her best efforts.
Data from the police's Rapid Transit Division revealed that approximately 60% of conflicts on the MRT stem from commuters bumping into each other during these crowded rides. Issues related to line-cutting and seat-sharing accounted for 10% each, with another 10% attributed to blocking doorways.
To address the issue and maximize available space, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an made a significant decision last June. He opted to remove seats from two out of four carriages on the Wenhu Line, effectively increasing the train's capacity from 400 to 420 passengers.
This change aimed to provide more standing room for commuters, potentially aiding in faster and smoother journeys. However, it remains crucial for passengers to exercise patience and respect to prevent unnecessary conflicts during these hectic rush hour commutes.