TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Railway held a memorial service for the third anniversary of the 408 Taroko Express train crash on Tuesday (April 2).

Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) presided over the event, pledging to move forward with more safety measures for Taiwan’s transportation infrastructure. Wang addressed victims' family members, assuring them that Taiwan Railway is committed to reform.

The site of the accident was decorated with flowers, lavender, and white cloth. To commemorate the event precisely at 9:28 a.m., all trains operated by Taiwan Railway blew their train whistles for 30 seconds in memory of the victims, per CTS.

Speaking to local media, Wang said many of the victims' family members have returned to the accident scene and have turned their grief into a positive action, helping Taiwan Railway undertake safety reform. Wang said this undertaking was especially important this year, as the railway transitioned from a government agency to a state-owned enterprise. 

Wang said Taiwan Railway must make use of this somber anniversary to improve safety. Wang expressed gratitude to the families of the victims for providing safety suggestions.

Wang Wei-chun (王薇君), spokeswoman of Taroko Tears, a group representing victims' families, said that accidents such as a Puyuma Express train accident five years ago and the Taroko Express accident three years ago raised hope for improved railway safety, though progress has been slow. Wang said Taiwan Railway is a large, long-standing organization that is reticent to change.

Over the past year, Wang said Taiwan Railway has indeed implemented some changes to its corporate culture, but more is needed. 

One victim's family member, surnamed Qin (秦), encouraged all family members to assist Taiwan Railway in undertaking reforms. A major opportunity exists as the railway transitions to a corporation.