July 23, 2025 — Taipei, Taiwan — Following a string of eight incidents involving improper train stops this year, Taiwan Railways Corporation (TRC) is implementing tougher safety protocols to ensure better train handling and passenger safety.
According to TRC General Manager Feng Huisheng, who spoke during a departmental meeting on July 21, drivers who enter a station at excessive speeds and cause improper train positioning will now be required to retake a suitability assessment. This new policy aims to evaluate whether the driver still possesses the necessary reflexes and decision-making skills for operating a locomotive.
Why the Change?
An internal review of this year’s parking mishaps revealed that high-speed station entry was a recurring cause. In response, the TRC is reinforcing its existing rule that requires a two-stage braking system. While this protocol has always been in place, the TRC will now add accountability measures by requiring drivers who violate this rule to undergo a reassessment.
What is the Two-Stage Braking Method?
The two-stage deceleration system is designed to reduce risk and ensure smoother stops. In the first stage, the train slows to a manageable speed—typically below 60 km/h—before entering the station. In the second stage, the train comes to a complete halt precisely at the platform’s designated stopping point. This approach is intended to reduce incidents of overshooting or stopping outside the safe passenger zone.
Suitability Test for Drivers
The suitability test, which will be administered by the Aviation Medical Center, is not new to TRC drivers. It assesses critical operational skills, including reaction time, attention span, and motor coordination. Normally taken before a driver begins formal training, the test will now serve as a performance reevaluation tool for those found in violation of safety protocols.
Drivers who fail the retest will not be allowed to continue operating trains. Instead, the TRC will reassign them to maintenance or other non-driving roles within the company.
Ensuring Public Safety
TRC emphasized that these measures are part of a broader effort to maintain high safety standards across Taiwan’s rail system. By enforcing these revised rules, the company hopes to prevent further mishaps and reassure the public of its commitment to safe and reliable train operations.
