Tainan:The Tainan railway station has announced new regulations for a public piano located in its concourse, following complaints of misuse since the station's opening in mid-October. The piano, a popular attraction, will now be restricted to noncommercial use only.
According to Focus Taiwan, the station initially restricted access to the piano by requiring visitors to submit an application before playing. This decision was met with criticism as the piano was intended to be a public instrument available for all visitors.
By Friday noon, the station revised its policy, allowing the piano to be used for noncommercial purposes only, explicitly prohibiting activities such as busking, fundraising, and self-promotion. Performers are also asked to refrain from using microphones, amplifiers, or speakers to prevent inconvenience to other visitors and to adhere to station rules.
The decision to impose restrictions was triggered by incidents involving a pianist who allegedly used the piano to recruit students and block access to others, causing disruptions. The station received numerous complaints about such improper use, leading to the clarification that the piano is meant solely for noncommercial activities.
The initial announcement drew concern from the Tainan City government, prompting the station to adjust the rules. The piano gained significant attention on October 20 when an unplanned duet led to a political exchange, further elevating its profile. It continues to draw interest from the public and notable figures, including Taiwanese singer-songwriter Kevin Lin. Additionally, former President Tsai Ing-wen humorously referenced the piano's popularity on social media. Taiwan hosts 34 public pianos, with Taipei having the most at six locations.
