TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's legislature passed the third reading of amendments to the Railway Act on Tuesday, strengthening legal protections for railway employees.
Under the revised law, anyone who uses violence, coercion, or intimidation against railway workers on duty may face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to NT$300,000 (US$9,500), per CNA.
If such actions result in serious injury, offenders may be sentenced to between three and 10 years in prison. In cases resulting in death, the penalty may be life imprisonment. The new provisions are modeled on similar protections in the Medical Care Act, which were introduced to curb violence against on-duty staff.
Taiwan Railways said assaults on its employees occur more frequently than many members of the public realize, noting that railway staff have been subjected to 14 violent attacks so far this year. The railway welcomed the passage of the amendments, saying they provide stronger legal backing and greater protection for workers.
Illicit profits from train ticket scalping were also addressed in amendments, as penalties for reselling tickets at inflated prices or exchanging tickets for unlawful gains have been increased, with fines now ranging from 10 to 50 times the fare per ticket. The same penalties apply to the resale of ticket vouchers at prices higher than their face value.
In addition, recently passed amendments stipulate that private or state-owned railway operators that fail to take necessary measures to ensure employee safety or that do not adequately train and manage staff may be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$300,000.
This includes failures related to professional standards, operational safety, security response, and health and epidemic prevention, as well as noncompliance with railway-related laws and regulations.
Lawmakers said passage of the amendments will improve public safety, protect railway workers, and strengthen overall management and accountability within Taiwan’s rail transport system.
