TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Five tourists face up to NT$50,000 (US$1,512) in fines each for walking on Alishan Forest Railway tracks on Monday.
Monday morning, Alishan Forest Railway personnel and local police conducted a patrol starting from Erwanping Station along the railway toward Chiayi, per UDN. Five tourists were caught walking on the tracks.
Officials said the tourists violated Article 70 of the Railway Act, which prohibits pedestrians and vehicles from trespassing on railway tracks, bridges, or tunnels. Each faces fines ranging from NT$10,000 to NT$50,000.
The Jhuci Precinct of the Chiayi County Police Department referred their cases to the Railway Bureau to process the penalties.
The Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office said that the Alishan Forest Railway resumed full operation on July 6, after repairing severe damage caused by Typhoon Morakot in 2009. This restoration marked the return of the narrow gauge line from Chiayi to Alishan.
The restored route has revealed numerous scenic spots that attract many tourists. However, the office stressed that the tracks are not designated recreational areas and walking on them is prohibited.
The office said that some individuals, and even travel agencies, have arranged tours that involve walking on the tracks, which severely compromises train safety and violates the Railway Act.
On Dec. 14, a female tourist trying to take pictures by the tracks was knocked over by an oncoming train and suffered a broken leg. She was fined and the police charged her with endangering public safety.
However, tourists continue to walk along the Alishan railway tracks for recreation. The office is considering installing cameras along the route to better deter people from walking along the tracks.