TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) expressed support for installing cameras in the train driver’s cab following a string of human error-related incidents involving stopping trains this year.

Speaking during a transport committee meeting at the legislature on Wednesday, Chen said the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board recommended installing the cameras, per CNA. He said the ministry is discussing the cameras with Taiwan Railway and Taiwan High Speed Rail, though unions do not want them.

Chen said the cab cameras would help railway operators better understand what causes incidents. Asked about recent train stopping incidents, acting Taiwan Railway Corporation Chair and Deputy Transport Minister Wu Sheng-yuan (伍勝園) said a database for driver errors has been created, and offending staff will receive education if needed.

SETN reported last week that incidents involving trains overshooting stations and other stopping-related issues increased by 66% from last year to five. One of the incidents was caused by a driver distracted by their cell phone. 

A sixth incident occurred on Monday at Banqiao Station on a high-speed train. Human error caused the train's doors to remain closed when it arrived at the station, preventing passengers from disembarking.

Last week, Taiwan Railways said it would conduct surprise inspections of train cabs and check where drivers kept their cell phones in response to the incidents. Taiwan Railway Labor Union opposed this, saying it would increase driver stress.  

The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board recommended installing sound-equipped cameras in train cabs in 2020. Unions opposed the proposal due to privacy concerns, and it was not implemented.