MIAOLI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA, 台鐵) stated on Monday (Jan. 6) that it was locking public restrooms at several stations in Miaoli County (苗栗縣) to prevent misuse and vandalism. These measures have previously sparked local debate, with opinions varying on the necessity and impact of the restrictions.
The TRA locks the restrooms at Tongxiao (通霄) and Yuanli (苑裡) stations after the last train, No. 2561, departs around 11 p.m., reopening them at 5 a.m. At Fengyuan (豐原) station, the first-floor restroom remains open from 6:50 a.m. to 9:50 p.m.
TRA officials cited security risks as the reason for the overnight closures. They reported past incidents where homeless individuals took shelter in the restrooms and some people used them for drug activities. This prompted a uniform restroom management policy across all TRA stations, although smaller stations may lock restrooms earlier due to limited staffing.
However, residents in Miaoli have expressed frustration over locked public restrooms at train stations. Miaoli Tongxiao Township representative Mou Tsun-han (繆宗翰) criticized the policy, and planned to request the TRA to keep the restrooms open 24 hours.