TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Following a random stabbing incident on the Taichung Metro a day earlier, concerns over public transportation safety have surged. Lin Hsin-hsiung (林信雄), deputy commissioner of the Criminal Investigation Bureau (內政部警政署刑事警察局), addressed these concerns on Wednesday (May 22), stating that such incidents have been rare over the past decade, with only seven occurrences.
Public Safety Under Scrutiny
Kuomintang Legislator Hsu Yu-chen (許宇甄) raised questions about the adequacy of police forces on the metro system, especially in light of the recent Taichung Metro attack, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of a similar attack on the Taipei Metro.
In response, Lin highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster police training and implement patrols in critical station areas. Additionally, Hsu suggested the establishment of a dedicated police force for metro system security, considering the increased ridership following the introduction of the TPASS commuter pass.
Lin reassured that the Taipei and New Taipei City metro systems are managed by the Taipei City Police Department's Rapid Transit Division, with the Taoyuan Metro under the jurisdiction of the Taoyuan City Police Department's Rapid Transit Division.
Calls for Enhanced Security Measures
The safety of public transportation has been a growing concern, with statistics from 2013 to 2023 showing an upward trend in the number of assaults and casualties at transit stations.
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Li Bo-yi (李柏毅) expressed dissatisfaction with the bureau's reassurances, emphasizing that "not even one incident is acceptable" and urging the government to strengthen security measures.
As the community calls for increased safety on public transportation, the government's response and future measures will be closely watched.