TAIPEI, July 19, 2025 — A 71-year-old man is facing penalties after dangerously clinging to a moving Tzu Chiang Express train at Shulin Station in an attempt to reach Banqiao, Taiwan Railways and authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred on July 14 at approximately 7:01 a.m., when Train No. 272 departed from Shulin Station as scheduled. Surveillance footage captured the elderly man, later identified by police as Mr. Xu, running alongside the moving train and climbing between two of the carriages near the rear. He managed to board by clambering through the coupling area between the first and second cars and rode the train until it reached Banqiao Station, where he jumped off and exited the platform.
Due to the location of the incident occurring on one of the station’s outermost platforms, staff were unable to intervene in time. The deputy stationmaster later reviewed platform surveillance video, which confirmed the man’s unauthorized boarding. The footage was reported to the railway police, who coordinated with Banqiao Station to track the individual’s movements.
Following an investigation involving video review and analysis of train operation records, railway police identified the man and summoned him for questioning. Mr. Xu appeared at the police station at 2:30 p.m. today and admitted to the act, explaining that he had been running late and resorted to this risky behavior in desperation to make his trip.
“I was in a hurry and didn’t have enough time,” Xu reportedly said, adding that he now felt ashamed of what he had done.
The police filed a report with the Railway Bureau, which issued a citation under Article 71, Paragraph 1, Clause 1 of the Railway Act. The offense carries a fine ranging from NT$1,500 to NT$7,500.
Authorities have reiterated the dangers of attempting to board or ride trains in unauthorized ways and urged the public to follow railway safety protocols at all times to prevent serious accidents or legal consequences.
