TRA Criticized for Handling of Accident|關ATP有無通報 通聯紀錄打臉台鐵

Another development in the investigation into the train derailment accident is the discovery that the driver, surnamed Yu, was found to be using drugs last year. He is currently still undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.


The driver of the Puyuma-class train that derailed on Oct. 21, killing 18, was detained following the accident and released after posting NT$ 500,000 in bail. Now, it has come to light that he was found to be using amphetamines last year. In February, the prosecution was deferred and he was ordered to undergo one year of rehab.

Drivers are subject to breathalyzer tests before driving. The station does not have this requirement for drugs.

The driver was able to work while undergoing treatment. However, it is not known whether the driver informed the Taiwan Railways Administration of this situation. There have been new developments every day since the accident occurred. Previously, it was reported the driver had reported to dispatchers that he was disabling the automatic train protection system. However, the TRA said he did not. It was then reported that Puyuma-class trains did not even have ATP systems or remote monitoring systems. Scholars blame the TRA, saying its behavior has made it dangerous to take Puyuma-class trains.

The control center has no way of monitoring the train's situation. It can only rely on the driver's notifications. That makes it very difficult to make a very definitive judgment.

The explanation they (the TRA) gave made people feel the driver was alone to blame. However, then we saw the whole problem was due to manpower, parts and institutional issues.

The Taiwan Railway Labor Union has asked the TRA to face the facts and admit its mistakes, and to rectify its personnel shortage and institutional problems as quickly as possible to protect the rights of drivers and passengers.