Taichung: An elderly woman who jumped down onto the tracks at Taichung railway station to pick up a NT$100 (US$3.17) bill faces a maximum fine of NT$50,000, Taiwan Railway Corp. said Wednesday.
According to Focus Taiwan, the incident took place at 11:04 a.m. on Wednesday, when a female passenger on platform 1 at Taichung Station jumped onto the tracks to retrieve a banknote. Unable to climb back on her own, the woman was assisted by other passengers who pulled her back onto the platform. Police are currently investigating the incident.
In a video posted on Threads, the older woman, wearing sunglasses and a face mask, is seen looking down the tracks to ensure no trains are approaching. She then sits down, slowly scooting off the edge of the platform until she disappears from view. "A-ma! Don't jump down there for a few dollars, the train is coming in three minutes. Luckily they pulled her back up," one person commented.
Taiwan Railway noted that under the Railway Act, pedestrians and vehicles that trespass on railway lines or restricted areas in stations can incur fines ranging from NT$10,000 to NT$50,000. If the violation impacts railway traffic safety and is deemed serious, the penalty can be increased.
In situations where a passenger's belongings fall onto the tracks, Taiwan Railway advises requesting assistance from station staff rather than trespassing, which could interfere with train operations and compromise safety. The Railway Police Bureau plans to review surveillance footage of the incident and, after identifying the individual, will refer her to the transportation ministry for fines related to the Railway Act violations.