Taipei, September 18, 2025 — A dispute on the Taipei Metro escalated into a frightening incident when a passenger brandished a utility knife following a quarrel with a foreign rider.
According to police, the confrontation took place around 3:15 p.m. on the Zhonghe–Xinlu Line, between Xuhui Senior High School and Sanhe Junior High School stations. A 41-year-old Australian man was spotted drinking a beverage on the train when another passenger, also 41 and surnamed Ke (柯), confronted him and told him to stop.
The exchange quickly turned hostile after the Australian allegedly responded with a rude gesture. Ke then pulled out a utility knife, alarming nearby passengers, who immediately reported the situation to MRT staff.
Both men were escorted off the train at Sanchong Elementary School Station, where they were turned over to officers from the Sanchong Precinct. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Authorities stressed that the incident stemmed from a dispute between passengers and was not a random attack.
The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation imposed a NT$1,500 fine on the Australian for violating the MRT ban on food and drinks. Meanwhile, Ke was fined NT$10,000 for carrying and brandishing a knife in public and is under investigation for possible charges of intimidation endangering public safety.
