TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taichung City Government fined Geya Bus Transport NT$1.2 million (US$37,500) for its poor safety record over the past five years, including two deaths and 69 injuries.
The bus company was involved in the death of a Tunghai University student and the injury of another at a crosswalk on Sunday (Sept. 22). The two students were stuck by a No. 305 bus operated by the company, which turned left on a green light, per UDN.
According to the Taichung Transportation Bureau, Geya Bus Transport was also involved in a fatal 2021 traffic accident, involving a female high school student surnamed Chang (張) in front of Chia-Yang High School in Taichung’s Qingshui District. The student was struck by a bus in front of the school’s main gate.
Regarding the 69 injuries over the past five years, most injuries were collisions with other vehicles or passengers falling on the bus.
The Taichung Transportation Burea cited the Highway Act and related laws and regulations as the basis of the fine. It added that the fine did not include any potential compensation a court may order the bus company to pay. Additionally, municipal authorities said the issuance of the fine may impact the bus operator's annual performance evaluation and the subsidies it receives from the city next year.
Geya Bus Transport issued a public apology following the accident involving Tunghai University students, stating it would take full responsibility for the accident and would strengthen safety education.
The driver involved in the accident, surnamed Shih (施), had been with the company for 15 years and had always driven the No. 305 bus route. He has no record of accidents or other traffic violations.
DPP Taichung City Councilor Chang Chia-an (張家銨) said a review of the intersection design and traffic flow was needed following the accident. Chang added that bus drivers need more training and education, while a review of technology such as driving assistance systems could help bus operators lower accident rates.
Geya Bus Transport has a 30-year history of operating in central Taiwan, providing services along popular routes long before the merger of Taichung County and Taichung City.
In light of the recent bus fatality, the Taichung Transportation Bureau said it will review all bus routes and the rights of bus operators. If bus operators continue to generate complaints from the public without any improvement, they may lose their rights to operate specific bus routes.