TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's bullet train operator has promised partial refunds after a morning commute turned into a frustrating ordeal for more than 150 passengers. Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSR, 台灣高鐵) announced Monday (April 14) it would reimburse half the ticket cost to travelers stranded aboard train No. 204 when its doors mysteriously failed to open upon arrival at Banqiao Station (板橋), a major transit hub in New Taipei City, at 8:26 a.m.
In a statement tinged with the formal contrition characteristic of Asian corporate apologies, THSR expressed "sincere regrets" while promising unspecified "elegant gifts" as additional compensation to inconvenienced travelers. The rail operator pledged a thorough internal review to identify systemic failures and implement preventative measures.
In the meantime, officials have already placed the train's driver on temporary suspension while the investigation proceeds. The company has established a communication channel to keep affected passengers informed about remedial actions and procedural changes resulting from the incident. ★