Train passengers who are deemed to be excessively noisy, particularly those using mobile devices, could be denied service if they do not heed warnings by staff that they are disturbing other passengers, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said on Friday.
Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) has instructed Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp (THSRC) and the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) to draft measures to reduce passenger noise, such as chatting too loudly on phones, or playing video or audio without using headphones, the ministry said in a statement.
Both train operators have been asked to promote mobile phone etiquette to improve the quality of their services, as train carriages are enclosed spaces, it said.
Photo: Chen Hsin-yu, Taipei Times
The passenger transportation contract used by the two train operators allows them to refuse service to passengers who behave in ways that disturb others, the ministry added.
All high-speed trains offer guidance on mobile phone etiquette through digital information systems in every carriage and stickers on seatbacks, THSRC president James Jeng (鄭光遠) said in the statement.
The company would also add signs to all trolleys to remind passengers to “remain quiet on trains,” and passengers should ask on-board staff to deal with noisy individuals, the statement said.
The TRA reminds passengers in Chinese and English to mute electronic devices and to speak quietly on the phone on its Web site, app and its onboard digital information system, TRA director-general Tu Wei (杜微) said in the statement.
TRA crew members would use signs when they walk through the train to improve awareness, while passengers can report any incidents by sending a text to 0921-765125 to notify the conductor about the situation, which they would handle, the statement said.
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