Minister of Transportation and Communications Kuo Yao-chi (郭瑤琪) ordered the Bureau of High Speed Rail to turn in a pre-launch testing and inspection plan within two weeks, saying she was displeased over a delay in preparation work ahead of the opening of bullet train service in October.
"I am upset because the director [of the bureau] said they have done their best," Kuo said. "They should have finished stipulating all the regulations for operation and maintenance by February, but no progress has been made."
Kuo told reporters yesterday that the ministry would not have time to improve the train's system if the bureau didn't do anything before Aug. 1, the scheduled date for pre-launch testing of the railway.
She said the ministry might consider breaking down the pre-launch tests so that different items could be reviewed at different stages.
Kuo said she did not regret the decision to put her job on the line over the start date, adding that it was a personal issue.
Last month she promised to step down if the train failed to become operational by October.
However, bureau Director Wu Fu-hsiang (
Wu reiterated that the goal of having the railway fully operational by October remained unchanged.
Wu said the foreign drivers would be able to operate the trains during the initial stage of operation once they take a license test and an orientation exam to familiarize themselves with rail conditions.
THSRC representative Ted Chia (
Chinese spouse and influencer Guan Guan’s (關關) residency permit has been revoked for repeatedly posting pro-China videos that threaten national security, the National Immigration Agency confirmed today. Guan Guan has said many controversial statements in her videos posted to Douyin (抖音), including “the red flag will soon be painted all over Taiwan” and “Taiwan is an inseparable part of China,” and expressing hope for expedited reunification. The agency last year received multiple reports alleging that Guan Guan had advocated for armed reunification. After verifying the reports, the agency last month issued a notice requiring her to appear and explain her actions. Guan
The Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau audited six hotels in an effort to prevent price gouging ahead of Korean band BTS’ concert tour in the city scheduled for Nov. 19, 21 and 22 this year. The bureau on Friday said that the audits — conducted in response to allegations of unfair pricing posted on social media — found no wrongdoing. These establishments included the local branches of Chateau de Chine, Hotel Nikko, My Humble House, and Grand Hai Lai, it said, adding that the Consumer Protection Commission would have penalized price gougers had the accusations been substantiated. The bureau said the Tourism Development Act
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