TAIPEI (TVBS News) — More than 1,100 commuters faced unexpected delays Tuesday (June 17) when a malfunctioning door on the Taipei Metro Bannan Line (台北捷運板南線), one of the capital city's busiest transit routes, disrupted the morning rush hour. The technical failure, which occurred at 8:03 a.m. during peak commuting time, forced passengers traveling eastbound to disembark and transfer at Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (忠孝新生站) rather than continuing directly to their destinations at Nangang Exhibition Center Station (南港展覽館站) and other points east. Officials from Taipei Metro (台北捷運公司), the city's rapid transit operator, later announced that technicians had resolved the issue and service had returned to normal.
The morning's transit complications were compounded when, at 8:32 a.m., a female passenger activated the emergency communication system at Jiangzicui Station (江子翠站) to report an alleged sexual harassment incident. Transit police, locally known as MRT police, quickly intercepted the train at Longshan Temple Station (龍山寺站), a major transfer point known for its proximity to one of Taipei's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples. After briefly explaining the situation to authorities, the woman ultimately declined to file a formal complaint, citing time pressures, and departed after providing basic details to the station supervisor.
Despite the woman's departure, transit officers thoroughly documented the alleged perpetrator's personal information and physical characteristics while issuing him a stern warning about his reported behavior. This information has been added to the transit system's security database to assist officers during future patrols and potential identification of repeat offenders. Transit officials noted that under Taiwan's legal framework, sexual harassment cases cannot proceed to formal prosecution without an official complaint from the victim. Taipei Metro authorities reminded the public to maintain composure during uncomfortable or threatening situations on trains and encouraged the use of emergency communication systems or direct appeals to uniformed station personnel for immediate assistance. ◼