TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) announced Thursday (Sept. 26) plans to increase inspections of bus companies to enhance management. Officials will also reduce subsidies for companies that fail to yield to pedestrians.
From January to June, 1,428 people died in traffic incidents, with pedestrian fatalities reaching 183, marking an increase from the same period last year. A recent incident involving a Tunghai University (東海大學) student struck by a bus, resulting in one death and one injury, has sparked public outrage.
The ministry stated it continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) to increase the number of company inspections. The Highway Bureau (公路局) will list high-risk violators for special audits by the MOL.
The ministry has incorporated yielding at intersections into its evaluation criteria for bus operators. Companies failing to yield will face penalties, including a reduction in subsidies: NT$100,000 for each violation, NT$500,000 for incidents causing injury, and NT$1 million for incidents causing death.
Officials emphasized that technological law enforcement could help reduce accidents and injuries. The central government has funded 345 multifunctional law enforcement devices, which will be fully operational by Jan. 1, 2025.