The rebranding of “compassion seats” (博愛座) as “priority seating” (優先席) is a move toward clarity — a name rightly chosen, a concept aptly conveyed. With this change, supplemented by clear guidelines and sustained public awareness, the controversies once tied to these designated seats might gradually fade.
For many visitors to Taipei, the MRT leaves a lasting impression — not only for its cleanliness and order, but also for its compassion seats. Even during peak hours, these seats often remain vacant, reserved for those truly in need.
Yet in recent years, disputes over these seats have tarnished their original goodwill. Some who appear young and healthy — but might have needs that are not visible — find themselves shamed or even harassed for not yielding to elderly passengers. What begins as moral judgement escalates into verbal clashes, sometimes even physical altercations.
The term “compassion” is an inherent expression, appearing in classical texts more than two millennia ago. It calls for love beyond oneself — beyond family and friends — extending to strangers in a spirit of universal care.
Historically, “compassion” also translated the French revolutionary ideal of fraternity, or brotherhood, alongside liberty or freedom and equality. Here, it embodies the sentiment that “all under heaven are brothers.”
According to Taiwan’s Revised Mandarin Chinese Dictionary, a compassion seat is “a priority space for the elderly, infirm, pregnant, disabled or others in need, typically located near the doors of MRT trains, buses or other public transit vehicles.” This definition has evolved — years ago it was simply “seats near bus doors reserved for the elderly, women, children and the disabled.”
The concept originated in the West. During my doctoral studies in the US in the 1990s, buses and subways featured priority seating — functionally identical to Taiwan’s compassion seats, with the key word being priority. That is, those with needs come first; if none are present, others can sit.
Also called courtesy seating, these spots rely on consideration, not compulsion.
Compassion is an ideal. Courtesy reflects cultivation. Priority is practical. Returning to the essence of priority helps resolve disputes. Yet habits run deep — even renamed, many might still avoid these seats, wary of judgement. Changing this requires not just advocacy, but time.
Hugo Tseng holds a doctorate in linguistics, and is a lexicographer and former chair of the Soochow University English Department.
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