Taipei: A senior transport official on Saturday defended Taiwan High Speed Rail’s (THSR) newly implemented “quiet carriage” policy, after it was criticized for targeting families with children. The policy, effective Sept. 22, is designed to address disruptive behavior rather than specifically targeting children, as explained by Ministry of Transportation and Communications General Secretary Shen Hui-hung in a Facebook post.
According to Focus Taiwan, the policy focuses on passengers making phone calls or using electronic devices without headphones, rather than on children. Shen emphasized that infants, young children, and passengers with medical conditions affecting autonomy will continue to receive care and understanding from staff members.
The policy has sparked public debate, with criticism arising from perceptions that it is unfriendly towards families. A social media post highlighted an incident where a mother traveling with two young children was asked by staff to lower the children’s voices. The mother took her younger child to the carriage doorway, leaving the older child in the seat, illustrating the contentious nature of the policy’s implementation.
Shen shared her own experience, noting that during a recent ride on an HSR train, children’s voices were not found to be disruptive, and passengers with pets were accommodated without issue. She stated that the policy’s intent is to promote mutual respect, addressing behaviors that adults can control rather than unavoidable noises from infants or passengers with medical needs.
To assist passengers in understanding the rules, promotional materials, including illustrated cards and guides, have been distributed, Shen added.
